By Rakiya A. Muhammad
International Alert has launched a project coded “Powering Peace Through Climate Action” in Sokoto state to drive for peaceful coexistence among citizens.
Speaking at the launch event held in Sokoto, the Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Paul Bemshima Nyulaku, said they would implement the two-year project in two Gwadabawa Local Government Area communities.
He said the sole aim was to restore peace, deal with climate change’s impact and transform the targeted communities’ local economy.
“International Alert is a peace-building organisation that seeks ways that ensure people resolve their differences, disagreements and conflicts in a nonviolent approach.”
“We want the stakeholders to be in the driver’s seat. We want to learn from the communities themselves what can work for them.
“This project will adopt a catalytic approach to build the right visibility through showcasing the gains and what communities can do to address the impact of climate change and build peace.” Mr Nyulaku explained.
The Country Director said the organisation has been working in northeast states by engaging those who have worked with violent groups to build lasting peace within their communities.
“This project launching in Sokoto state is an inroad to the northwest region where desertification and drought are highly prevalent.”
He also said the project would work within three components; by looking at the drums of conflict, seeking to address climate change and how communities adapt to its reality and bringing out its prosperity angle- by providing small seed funds to selected communities to test their resilience and stimulate climate action that offers good results.
In his remark, the District Head of Gwadabawa, Rt. Hon. Lawal Zayyanu said most communities within his domain face the great danger of drought and sandstorms because of desertification.
He, however, commended the organisation for choosing Sokoto as one of the pilot states of the project.
Representative of the State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Hassan Balarabe, said the state government was pleased to implement the project with stakeholders jointly.
Earlier, Program Manager, International Alert Anicetus Atakpu presented the overview of the Powering Peace through climate action project.
Other speakers include; the Director of International Cooperation, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Bello Wamakko, Sarkin Yakin Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, Representatives of the Secretary to the State Government, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Sokoto State, USAID/State2State Activity and State Commissioner of Police.
