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US, Nigeria Collaborate to Strengthen Peace Structures, Build Local Capacity to Combat Conflicts

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US, Nigeria Collaborate to Strengthen Peace Structures, Build Local Capacity to Combat Conflicts

By: Michael Mike

The United States and Nigeria have collaborated to strengthen peace structures across key conflict-prone areas in Nigeria, in a step towards enhancing peace and security in the country.

The Nigeria’s position is led by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) while United States collaboration is pushed by USAID, and it is aimed at building local capacity, improve early warning systems, and foster stronger collaboration among government agencies, community leaders, and security forces to reduce violence and promote stability in targeted regions.

Director General of IPCR, Joseph Ochogwu
while unveiling the Nigeria’s Conflict Early Warning Situation Room on Tuesday in Abuja, emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, bringing together national, international, and local entities united in the mission of fostering social cohesion and preventing violence.

He said: “This partnership is unique, not only for its inclusivity—from international stakeholders to grassroots actors—but for the commitment it represents to peace building.”

The initiative, dubbed the Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigeria and Early Response Partner (PARTNER), is funded by USAID and aimed at empowering communities with tools to monitor and report early signs of conflict.

Ochogwu noted that starting in Kwara and Kaduna states, the programme now operates in nine states, including Benue, Nassarawa, and Katsina, establishing community-based peace structures and reconciliation committees.

He said: “A key element of the new Situation Room is its integration of digital tools. Since April, IPCR has been using an early warning and response application alongside SMS and toll-free lines to collect conflict data across Nigeria.”

He added that these tools have enabled 100 active reporters and 63 responders to document 363 conflict-related incidents, stating that: “This is not an intelligence tool; it’s a development initiative to address violence at the community level.

“The new technology, coupled with the work of the State Peace Commissions, offers a “quick response” mechanism to help de-escalate conflicts, transforming early warning signs into action.”

USAID Mission Director in Nigeria, Melissa Jones, highlighted that responses to incidents have been seen as quickly as 20 minutes from distress calls.

Jones said: “This rapid response capability is unprecedented and is already saving lives.”

She commended the joint efforts of Nigerian agencies and communities.

On his part, the Presidential Communication Commander Control Center in the Office of the National Security Advisor Robert Obande underscored the system’s potential to foster inclusive dialogue and reconciliation while addressing root causes of conflict.

He praised the IPCR, USAID, and local peacebuilding agencies for their dedication.

He said: “This initiative demonstrates a collective commitment to securing a safer future for all Nigerians. The Situation Room is fostering stronger relationships between communities and security agencies, which many see as vital to sustainable peace in Nigeria.

“Through partnerships with local NGOs and state peace commissions, communities are now empowered to mediate conflicts, including those between farmers and herders, reducing violence and strengthening local economies.”

Mercy Corps Country Director, Ndubisi Anyanwu, on his part, emphasized that local ownership of the project is a key principle of the PARTNER initiative.

He said: “Mercy Corps built capacity, but our local partners implemented the program, proving the effectiveness of grassroots-led conflict management.

“The establishment of Nigeria’s Conflict Early Warning Situation Room represents a milestone in the country’s journey toward peace.

“With robust partnerships, community engagement, and technological advancements, it offers a promising pathway to mitigate violence and ensure a more peaceful future.”

US, Nigeria Collaborate to Strengthen Peace Structures, Build Local Capacity to Combat Conflicts

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MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group

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MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group

CELEBRATING PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU

The President/Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, has been announced “MAN OF THE YEAR” by THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News Board of Editors.

The prestigious recognition reaffirmed Mr. President’s exemplary leadership, visionary thinking, and unwavering commitment to transforming the country amid mounting economic and security challenges.

The awards organisers also noted that the President has marched on with courage and determination to change Nigeria for the better, and proven to be a leader who is driven more by convictions and taken decisions which are in the best interest of the nation.

To commemorate this milestone, THISDAY is unveiling a Special Edition on Monday, January 27, 2025, to afford the President’s
aides, friends, well-wishers, and associates the opportunity to share in the joy and pride that the award brings to Mr. President through placement of Congratulatory/Goodwill messages to honour the awardee among other award recipients.

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MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group

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Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident

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Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident

By: Michael Mike

Nigerian government has commiserated with the government and people of Türkiye over the fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort that resulted in the death of 66 persons injured over 50 others.

The condolence message was contained in a statement signed by the acting spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

The statement read: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express deep condolence to the Government and People of the Republic of Turkiye over the unfortunate fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort.

“The fire, which claimed the lives of 66 persons and injured over 50 others in Bolu Province in Northwestern Turkiye, was reported to have started in the early hours of Tuesday 21st January 2025.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathizes with the Government of the Republic of Turkiye and the families of the victims of the fire incident, and also wishes a speedy recovery of the injured.”

Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident

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Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank

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Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank

By: Mamman Mohammed

The Islamic Development Bank has expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of Yobe state government to partner the bank for an agricultural project.

Mr. Javed khan, Senior Agriculture Specialist of the Bank stated this at a courtesy call on Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, at the Government House, Damaturu.

Khan said the commitment of Yobe state government to meeting its obligations is quite impressive and encouraging.

Khan who led a team from the bank on assessment tour of the state to see for itself the documents developed and the preparations on ground for the project, said the team was convinced with government’s committment to the project.

“We were initially discouraged not to come to Yobe state citing insecurity but, we insisted on coming and are impressed with the peace and security, and the government’s commitment to the project.

“We are working towards a target in the next three months for the state to obtain approval from the bank for the project.

“The working synergy between our team and your team suggests that we will achieve our target within the stipulated time frame” Khan said.

Responding, Governor Buni commended the Bank for not listening to the enemies of progress of the state.

“l am glad you did not listen to them, some of whom have never been anywhere close to Yobe state but giving stories about what they don’t know.

“You are now here and you have seen things for yourselves and can tell the story better. We are ready for this partnership using agriculture to drive the economy of our state and the people.

“All the 17 local government areas in the state are now accessible and the people can access their farms and make this proposed project successful” Buni said.

The Governor explained the importance of agriculture to the people, adding “this project would guarantee food security and economic prosperity in our post insurgency recovery programme.

“The resilience exhibited by our people in embracing agriculture being their major preoccupation to rebuild their lives after the protracted insecurity is very encouraging and need to be supported” he said.

The Governor re-ephasized the readiness of his administration to partner the bank to make agricultural development in the state a huge success story.

Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank

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