- ACReSAL conducted a two-day workshop on peace building, GBV, and grievance redress mechanisms to tackle resource conflicts in Adamawa State.
- Dr. Ibrahim D. Chinda, represented by Mrs. Nenne Daniel, emphasized the need for peace to ensure community development and resilience against climate change.
- Speakers like Mr. Solomon Adejoh and Barr Fabaryu Alfred Thliza highlighted the essential role of community involvement and effective leadership in maintaining peace and managing crises.
ACReSAL Drives Peace Building Initiative in Adamawa
Adamawa State is witnessing a significant push for peace and stability as the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL) kicks off a critical two-day training.
The focus is on peace building, gender-based violence (GBV), and grievance redress mechanisms (GRM), addressing the persistent resource conflicts that plague Northern Nigeria.
The event, held on July 4th and 5th at Vortex Hotels Conference Hall in Yola, aims to tackle the ongoing clashes between communities, families, farmers, and pastoralists over scarce resources.
Dr. Ibrahim D. Chinda, the Project Coordinator of ACReSAL in Adamawa, represented by Project Accountant Mrs. Nenne Daniel, set the tone for the workshop.
“In greening Adamawa State, fostering peace is paramount,” Dr. Chinda declared.
“Peace must begin in our homes and extend to our neighborhoods, communities, and the entire state.”
ACReSAL’s initiative spans 19 states in northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. It aims to build resilience against climate change, promote peaceful coexistence by enhancing vegetative cover, and advocate for sustainable natural resource management.
The project also seeks to empower local communities and address gender-based violence effectively.
Dr. Chinda urged participants from all 21 local government areas of Adamawa to bring their newly acquired knowledge back to their communities.
“Without peace, development is unattainable,” he stressed.
“If our communities are not peaceful, the World Bank will not bring projects to us. We’re here to provide strategies for promoting peace and avoiding violence to help our communities grow.”
He highlighted the project’s benefits, saying, “Some communities are already reaping the rewards. This project is vital, not just for the environment and agricultural activities but for overall community development. Make the most of this training.”
Mr. Solomon Adejoh from Search for Common Ground emphasized the importance of influence and engagement in peace building.
“Peace building relies heavily on community influence and consistent engagement. It is not a one-man project. Many communities fail in achieving peaceful coexistence because the responsibility is left solely to authorities,” Adejoh noted.
Barr. Fabaryu Alfred Thliza, GRM Officer for Adamawa ACReSAL, underscored the need for better strategies to resolve ongoing issues within communities.
“Effective crisis management is essential for building a peaceful community,” Thliza stated.
“Community leaders must step up and find lasting solutions to conflicts.”
As Adamawa State embraces this initiative, there is a collective hope that these efforts will pave the way for sustainable peace and development.