NGO want leaders to amplify message of peace in Borno
By Jossy Ladi, Maiduguri
A non-governmental organisations, Smiling Hearts Initiative International has called on community leader to amplify the message of peace building in Borno state through active youth engagement and advocacy as a channel to prevent and counter extremist narratives in society.
Speaking to stakeholders, Dr Mohammed Hayatudeen of University of Maiduguri made this know during a one-day workshop geared towards equipping traditional and community rulers on peace building organized by Smiling Hearts Initiative International in Maiduguri.
Dr. Mohammed encouraged the community and traditional leaders should rise to their obligations as community builders and peace makers in their domains.
“Our message is to reach the people of Borno with an uncompromising message of peace and togetherness as we continue to intensify efforts to promote and encourage unity and peaceful coexistence in the state.
“It is also to build positive publicity for peace processes in Borno state and garner solidarity for peace-building activities in the Borno state.
“Consolidate on peace-building through sensitization and advocacy aimed at changing the mindset and perspectives of the youth about peace and to begin a process of state-wide, community-led conversations around peace and rebuilding to get Borno back to its status quo.” Dr. Hayatudeen said.
National Coordinator of the initiative Adams Audu said traditional leaders can assist towards easing tensions and spreading messages of tolerance in communities.
With this capacity building workshop, participants are expected to assist in easing tensions by spreading messages of peace and tolerance in their communities.
Program Manager Framni Babayo noted that traditional Leaders and representatives of various Borno ethnic groups are part of this sensitization workshop.
She stressed that that the initiative deemed it fit to bring harmony among the people.
She disclosed that an estimated 2.3Million people have been displaced across the North Eastern States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa as a result of an insurgency that has raged for over a decade which has brought a lot of destruction in its wake and Borno residents have lived in unease, unsure of where the next attack would come from or take place.
