With growing concern over violent extremism, women have been charged to be peace ambassadors and change drivers in Kogi state.
The Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi, gave the charge on Wednesday in a keynote address delivered at the women’s conference on peaceful co-existence and harmonious living in Kogi State.
Obi noted that violent extremism in Nigeria has become a major concern the Nigerian Government and some vulnerable states such as Kogi.
She bemoaned the colossal loss the nation has suffered in recent times to violent extremism, noting that over 2000 lives have been lost in the last nine years.
“Violent extremism and terrorism has constituted a major security threat to our nation since 2009. We cannot dispute the fact that ignorance constitutes one of the key factors responsible for the incidences of radicalisation and violent extremism usually through youths who are recruited for their malevolent activities.
“The National Action plan on preventing violent extremism as launched by the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has identified various roles for stakeholders as part of actions targeted towards tackling violent extremism in Nigeria. Hence, Civil Society Organisations from various backgrounds and with different aims are expected to work on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and issues like conflict prevention, countering violent extremism (CVE), de-radicalisation, education, inter-religious dialogue as well as social and economic development.
“In Nigeria since 2009, over 2000 people has been killed, 2 million people displaced and about 7 million Nigerians plunged into hunger and desperate need. In the past two years Boko Haram has used more than 100 women and girls to carry out attacks.
“It is on this note that ActionAid Nigeria, a national non-governmental, non-partisan, non-religious, civil society organisation and an affiliate member of the ActionAid International Federation with presence in over 45 countries, through its Humanitarian and Resilience department has continued to engage with all stakeholders towards
curbing this menace.
“Over 1,800 youth and 940 women have been sensitized on preventing violent extremism in Kogi State. That number we believe after this conference will rise to over 2000 believing too that everyone here with in turn become peace ambassadors at large as mothers and wives.
“It is no news but fact that women are home builders, peacemakers, bridge builders, trainers, educators, nation builders, role models and above all, agents of peace and development. Living together in peace cannot be traded, it is a habit for nation, it has therefore become non-negotiable for all to embrace and dwell in peace in our society and particularly in our state,” she said.
