By Mohammed Dala Lawan
In a significant step towards consolidating peace in Yobe State, ActionAid Nigeria recently convened a symposium themed “Action for Peace” in Damaturu, the state capital.
The event, held in observance of the International Day of Peace, brought together key stakeholders to strengthen the fragile peace in the North East region and address post-insurgency challenges.
The symposium featured critical insights from peace experts, representatives of non-governmental organisations, and civil society organisations.
According to a representative of ActionAid Nigeria, Mr Kenneth Unuafe, the discussions centred on community acceptance and reintegration programmes for individuals and families displaced by the conflict.
Mr Unuafe emphasised the critical importance of peace, stating that its absence has been the root cause of profound challenges in the region.
“The value of peace cannot be overemphasised. It was the absence of peace that led us to the devastating challenges of Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, particularly here in the northeast.” Unuafe said.
In a remark, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr Mohammed Goje, reflected on the era of peace that preceded the insurgency, urging a return to those values as the foundation for a secure future.
The symposium underscored the importance of inclusive peace processes, emphasising the crucial role of including women, children, and other vulnerable groups in all peace processes to ensure that the resulting stability is equitable and lasting.
As Yobe State continues on its path towards peace and stability, the collective resolve from the forum was clear: achieving enduring peace requires deliberate, inclusive, and continuous action from every segment of society.
Leave a Reply