By Musa M. Buba
Damaturu
In order to reduce violence and promote peace, stability and resilience among communities, especially the victims of Boko Haram insurgency, the Managing Conflicts in the North-east, a programme implemented by the British Council, held a one-day policy dialogue forum targeting empowerment and integration.
The dialogue was organised in Damaturu, the state capital, recently in collaboration with Yobe state Ministry of Youths, Social and Community Development.
In his remarks, the National Programme Manager, MCN/British Council, Prof. Muhammad Tabiu, said “the dialogue will enhance the capability of institutions and actors at state and local levels to manage conflicts better in order to reduce the incidences that lead to violence.”
According to him, the dialogue has five components.
“We have five components which includes, conflict management, reconciliation, women empowerment who are always at the receiving end of every conflicts/crisis, reintegration and research,” he said.
Blueprint gathered that the dialogue was targeted at conflict management and peace-building.
In a keynote address, the Speaker, Yobe House of Assembly, Adamu Dala Dogo, appreciated the British Council for selecting Yobe among the benefiting states as it was also hit by Boko Haram insurgency.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youth, Alhaji Tijjani Zanna Zakariya, represented by his Permanent Secretary, said “the initiative by the British Council will no doubt restore back the lost confidence among the victims of the insurgency by living in peace with each other in their societies.”
In his vote of thanks, the MCN State Team Leader in Yobe, Malam Abdulkadir Sambo, noted that the programme was being funded by the European Union and “operates with offices in Yola, Maiduguri, and Damaturu, with headquarters in Abuja.”
our correspondent reports that as part of its ongoing support to the state, the MCN programme has trained over 600 traditional rulers and their scribes in Damaturu and Fika emirate councils, including their wives.
It has also facilitated community peace and safety partnerships in targeted LGAs
There were good will messages by the representatives of the state Chief Judge, Justice Musa Nabaruma, the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashim II Ibn El-Kanemi, among others.
