By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi state Director, National Orientation Agency, (NOA), Ambassador Mohammed Othman Abdullahi, on Monday in Lokoja called for the constant re-enforcement and sustenance of institutions responsible for security management and awareness campaigns in Nigeria.
Amb. Abdullahic made the call at the five – day training on “community Engagement between Stakeholders and Security Providers in Communities at Risk of Violence, Extremism” organised by NOA in collaboration with United Nations Development Programs.(UNDP).
The Director who identified eight pillars of peace accounts for the level peace in the society said it includes well-functioning government, equitable distribution of resources, free flow of information, good relationships with neighbours, high levels of human, capital, acceptance of the right of others, low levels of corruption and sound business environment.
“My office will continue to promote peaceful relationship among people all ages, ethnicity, religion and culture through security awareness creation, dialogue and advocacy because peace building is dynamic and progressive in the society” he said.
“NOA Directorate has been engaging the communities with security awareness campaign and it is our belief that this will activate positive peace in the state for sustainable development and empowerment of community peace builders” he added.
“On our part as National Orientation Agency, (NOA) kogi state directorate will continue to support all UNDP programs in the state to ensure that the objectives of setting them up are achieved.”
“For Nigeria to address issues of peace tranquility and peaceful coexistence, it requires the government, citizen, the young and old, especially youth and women to be alive to their responsibilities so that we can move Nigeria to its greatness.”
Ambassador Abdullahi noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive on the implementation of the frame work has addressed all aspects which according to him has contributed to the prevention and countering violent extremism in the short, medium and long-term goals.
Earlier, the National Expert on prevention of violent extremism, governance, peace and security of UNDP, Nigeria, Mr Chukwuma Ume
stressed that the objectives of the programme is to create awareness and educate violence prone communities to be proactive in conflict management and resolution.
He pointed out that the aim of bringing two local government areas in Kogi, (Dekina and Okene) together is to create a platform for an exchange ideas towards Curbing violence and ensuring violence free society.
