By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Zamfara State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun has attended Final Interstate Forum on the Protection of Our Communities Initiative (POC) Titled: “Putting Words to Action – Sustainability and Future Directions 2024”.
This was contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Friday by the Commissioner.
Maradun while speaking at the annual event held in Makurdi, Benue State, assured that the Zamfara State Government under Governor Dauda Lawal is fully committed to sustaining peace building efforts through the POC Initiatives.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the Neem Foundation, KARUNA CENTER for Peacebuilding and also the collaborating local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) Voluntary Aid Initiative, Zamfara state for their relentless dedication and unwavering support.
“Special thanks also goes to the funding partners for their generous funding and continued belief in the potential of our communities to foster peace and security.
“The Protecting Our Community Initiative (POCI) Project has been a beacon of hope for Zamfara State, especially in these challenging times, through frequent dialogues, Early Warning and Early Response Mechanisms, Radio Programs among others”, Maradun said.
The Commissioner further said that the POC project has truly amplified the voices of women and youth, empowering them to make their communities safer.
“The focus on those affected by the farmer-herder crises has been particularly impactful, bringing much-needed attention and solutions to this pressing issue.
“Our state has faced significant security challenges with devastating effects on our citizens, especially women and children.
“This is why, the present administration in the state under His Excellency, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has adopted an open-door policy with NGOs and private philanthropies”, Maradun explained
“This inclusive approach has been instrumental in our collective efforts to combat insecurity and promote peace.
“In our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our people, we have established the Community Protection Guards and the Security Trust Funds, and we continue to provide robust support to all security agencies in the state.
“These efforts are aimed at enabling them to carry out their duties diligently and effectively”, She added.
The Commissioner further assured Zamfara State Government commitment to promoting peacebuilding in the state.
“We recognize the importance of these initiatives in creating a peaceful and secure environment for all our citizens, and we pledge our continued support and collaboration.
“At this crucial time, the people of Zamfara need this initiative more.
“We need it now more than ever. I urge the funders and implementers to continue their invaluable work”, the Commissioner further said
In his remarks, The Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Benue State, Hon. Aondowase Kunde shared experience on the ongoing violent conflict that led to influx of internally displaced persons in the state, which has posed challenges to the ministry and government at large.
Kunde commended the collaborating partners and stakeholders on the POC project for strengthening peaceful co-existence among communities.
He assured the participants of the state government’s open-door policy and political will in order to sustain the project in the state.
The Executive Director of the Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI) a Zamfara-based CSO, Mr Musa Umar said the POC project aimed at trying new ways in resolving conflict by building on women’s and youth’s knowledge to increase civilian security through Early Warning and Early Response (EWER), community dialogue meetings, media and MHPSS for peaceful co-existence.
Umar further said that the project has greatly enhanced the capacity of women, youth, farmers and herders and enabled them to effectively promote security interests.
In a closing remark, the NEEM Foundation Director of Programmes, Mr. Ahmed Jumare commended participants for their support and commitment towards achieving the project desire’s goal.
Jumare said that the POC project has empowered stakeholders through various engagements to lead discussions on peacebuilding and conflict prevention in the communities.
He used the opportunity to call on various government representative and other stakeholders to sustain the POC structures as well as assured the participants of continue partnership and collaboration in programs that change the lives of the communities
