WANEP harps on need to invest in peacebuilding 

By: Michael Mike

The West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), has called on the government and relevant authorities in the West Africa region, and the Lake Chad basin to invest in peacebuilding as a means to tackle conflict.

The organisation made the call on Monday, at the beginning of a 3-day training workshop on conflict prevention, violent extremism, Crisis management and peacebuilding, in Abuja. This was organized by the Research and Action for Peace Network (REcAP Network), and implemented by WANEP, in partnership with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC),with funding from the European Union (EU).

The project seeks to establish a sustainable, more inclusive, and effective regional network of experts specialised in peacebuilding, the prevention of conflicts and violent extremism in 18 countries in West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin to act as an interactive platform for regional cooperation.

Regional Coordinator, Research and Capacity Building WANEP-Regional, Festus Kofi Aubyn, during his presentation on ‘conflict and conflict prevention,’ noted that for every conflict experienced in an environment, there have been early warning signs neglected by the  authorities.

According to Aubyn, situations that lead to conflict are escalated because relevant authorities do not make concerted efforts to tackle immediate actions that result in conflict.

He noted that Peacebuilding is not a one off event as warring parties should  be allowed to air their perspectives and then settle for  a compromise as this leads to the building of relationship which is important in resolving conflict.While also advocating for preventive mechanisms .

He said, “conflict prevention is very key. We do not have to always be preventive but proactive. This is to ensure that conflict does not  start  in the first place.” 

Proffering solutions to crisis management and Peacebuilding, Aubyn urged  the use of systematic, direct, and structural methods  noting, conflicts are dynamic and various individual perspectives need to be carried along.

“Poverty and employment can be causes of conflict in the society if not tackled  in a long period, but can not be resolved through direct or systematic means of prevention. But a structural means of prevention can be applied as this is a process that takes a longer time to properly address conflicting issues.

“The aim is to reduce violence as well as addressing the root causes of the violence. It is for a longer term. It involves a wider range of issues and actors, he said.

The Nigeria National Network Coordinator WANEP, Dr. Bridget Osakwe on her part noted that, resources do not create conflict except there is a deliberate intention to use it. Adding, resources are enough to go round but not enough to settle the greed of many.

Osakwe highlighted the need for conflict analysis in peacebuilding, noting the strategy deployed in bringing conflict  to an end is only as good as the analysis carried out else, it will not yield positive results.

Speaking further she emphasised that, individuals mistake peacebuilding and peacekeeping to mean the same process, noting the later occurs when war is in place and the use of military force is implied.

She underscored the need for the government to provide basic amenities for the citizens, especially those at the rural areas, stating these individuals only demand for their rights, which according  to her is not difficult to achieve.

She  said, “violent extremism strives in ungoverned spaces. In the NorthEast terrorism  was easy to penetrate because they provided the locals with their basic needs.

“Items as little as wheelbarrows were distributed to locals and this for a long period enhanced local support for the terrorists actions.”
Ends

WANEP harps on need to invest in peacebuilding 

Kaduna state council of the NUJ condemns abduction of the nation and blue print correspondents and some members of their families

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has received with shock the brazen and barbaric attack by suspected kidnappers that resulted in the abduction of the kaduna Correspondents of THE NATION and BLUE PRINT Newspaper alongside their families recently at their residences in Danhono area of kaduna metropolis.

A Statement signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Asmau Halilu and the Secretary, Comrade Gambo Sanga condemned the ugly incident and appealed to security agencies in the state to swing into action with a view to rescuing the Journalists and their families from the hands of their kidnappers.

The statement which expresses dismay over the unfortunate abduction of the innocent Journalists alongside their wives and children however, “implore government at all levels to intensify efforts towards guaranteeing the security of lives and property of the citizens at all times, stressing that the ugly phenomenon of kidnapping in kaduna and environs is now resurfacing and must be checked to avert the experiences of the recent past.

“The kaduna state Council of the NUJ however, enjoined all practicing Journalists in the state to be vigilant in their daily activities while also praying for the safe return of their abducted colleagues and their families.

Meanwhile, the Borno state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is equally deeply saddened and concerned by the abduction of two journalists in Kaduna by kidnappers.

“We stand in solidarity with the families of the abducted journalists, the Kaduna State Council of the NUJ, and the entire media community in this difficult time.

“We call on the authorities to spare no effort in ensuring the safe and swift return of our colleagues. We also urge the kidnappers to release the journalists unharmed and without further delay.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the abducted journalists, and we pray for their safe and speedy return.” Said the secretary comrade Ali Chiroma over the unfortunate incident.

NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ) ZONE A COMMISERATES WITH KADUNA STATE COUNCIL AND URGES SWIFT ACTION FOR THE RESCUE OF ABDUCTED JOURNALISTS

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone A extends its heartfelt commiseration to the Kaduna State Council of the NUJ and all journalists within the zone following the recent abduction of two journalists by bandits.

The abducted journalists are Correspondents from The Nation Newspaper and Blueprint Newspaper, along with their families, who were taken from their residences in the Danhono area of Kaduna metropolis.

Note that, Journalists play a crucial role in reporting on the happenings around their areas of coverage, without bias or involvement in political or group conflicts. These journalists are innocent and not affiliated with any rival groups. Therefore, we urge the government and security agencies to ensure their timely and safe rescue, along with their families.

While we recognize and appreciate the ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace in the region, we implore them to prioritize the rescue of our colleagues as a matter of responsibility. The abduction of journalists is not only a grave injustice to the individuals and their families but also a threat to the freedom of the press and the safety of journalists nationwide.

The Vice President of NUJ Zone A, Malam Muhammad Tukur Umar, has directed me to express our deepest sympathy to the NUJ Kaduna Council, its members, and all journalists across Nigeria over this regrettable event.

We urge all journalists in our zone to remain calm as the NUJ leadership at the National, Zonal, and State Council levels are actively working in synergy with security agencies and other concerned authorities to ensure the safe rescue of the journalists.

Kaduna state council of the NUJ condemns abduction of the nation and blue print correspondents and some members of their families

Senator Lawan attends the 2024 Nigerian Army celebration in Jos

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Chairman of the of the Senate Committee on Defense, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, was deeply honored to attend the Nigerian Army celebration in 2024 in Jos, Plateau State.

This annual event is not only a celebration of our brave soldiers but also a solemn reminder of their immense sacrifices for our nation.

In a statement signed by the President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, which was made available to newsmen in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital,.

Also present at the annual event were the Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru, CON, mni, the Minister of State for Defence, His Excellency, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, and Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar.

Others in attendance included former service chiefs and retired and serving officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Senator Ahmed Lawan revealed that we all used the occasion to appreciate the selfless service of our gallant soldiers who have tirelessly defended our borders, fought against terrorism and insurgency, and responded resolutely to various security challenges.

“Tributes also rolled in for our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, sacrificing their lives to ensure our safety.

“The Nigerian Army has a rich history of bravery, professionalism, and patriotism. From its humble beginnings as a small force to its current status as a formidable military establishment, the Army has evolved to become a symbol of strength for our nation,” he said.

According to Senator Ahmed Lawan, this year’s celebration afforded us the opportunity to reflect on the critical role that the Nigerian Army plays in safeguarding our democracy, fostering national unity, and supporting humanitarian efforts.

The Army’s loyalty to our constitution and its commitment to the protection of human rights are, indeed, commendable and serve as a testament to the establishment’s character and integrity.

“As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense, I assured the Nigerian Army that the Senate remains a steadfast partner in the ongoing fight against insecurity and the quest for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria. We are also committed to providing the necessary support and resources to enhance the operational capacity and welfare of our gallant soldiers.

The President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, urged all Nigerians to join in expressing gratitude to the Nigerian Army for their relentless sacrifices and to recommit ourselves to supporting their efforts in maintaining peace and security.

“May the spirit of unity, patriotism, and courage that have always defined and characterized the Nigerian Army continue to guide and inspire us patriotic citizens as we work together to build a better future for our great nation.” He prayed.

Senator Lawan attends the 2024 Nigerian Army celebration in Jos