Foundation trains WOPEMP on peace mediation in Kaduna
http://www.newsportng.com.ng following the need for peaceful coexistience in Kaduna state, a Non governmental organization under the auspices of Global Peace Development (GPD) with support from International Alert, (IA) has trained Women Peace Mediation Platform, (WOPEMP) members.
The program is aimed at supporting stabilization, local justice and SGBV prevention through broadening inclusion, accountability and managing tensions to reduce violence in Northwest states, particularly in Zamfara and Kaduna.
The women network, from Chikun Local Government Area, converged in Kaduna on Tuesday, to gain insight on how to serve as peace ambassadors in their respective communities.
Speaking on the project topic, “promoting stability access to justice and accountability in Northwest Nigeria”, on the theme, “training of women peace mediation platform (WOPEMP) members for sustainability,” the Project Officer, GPD Mr. Yusuf Yashioh said that the role of women as an integral part of the society can never be overemphasized.
Yashioh, said “today’s training is a training that we organized to train WOPEMP. It’s a network that we established in our project and it comprises of facilitators from our project communities. So we want to see how we can train them for the sustainability of the network.
“One of the key thing in peace building is that women are peacemakers. Without them you cannot achieve the maximum peace because they are the driver of peace in their Communities. So we believe that they play important roles and because of that, we cannot do without them. That is why we want to make sure that they are part of the network to contribute their quota to the peace and Development of the society
“One of the things that the training aimed is that, we want them to see how they can sustain the project the continuity of the platform itself, at the end of the day. So we are trying to see how we can build their capacity interns of mediation and dialogue in their respective communities and even extend it to their neighboring communities and not just limiting it to the community of the projects. So we want them to continue with the network.” He said.
In his remarks, the Senior Project Manager, International Alert, (IA) Mr. Sunday Jimoh, disclosed that the program aside mediation will build the network on relevant skills like communication, fund raising and Advocacy.
Jimoh added that, the skills will go a long way in boosting their efforts to be able to collaborate with the government and other agencies to further their development in their Communities and also as some of them get to the processes of decision making such as alternative dispute resolution mechanism within their communities, it’s very important for them to have the practical knowledge.
The Project Manager reiterated that “It will help them as individuals to be able to do more towards strengthening Community social cohesion and contributing to peace.”
Appreciating the efforts of the NGOs, the Council Chairman, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna state Hon. Salasi Musa said that the gesture is commendable and should be encouraged.
Represented by the Council Secretary, Jummai Dorcas Victor, the Chairman said, “we really appreciate this kind of gesture because where there is no peace, nothing will work especially in the northern state where we are.
We know the problem that we have been facing in Chikun Local Government for some years now because of insecurity. Virtually everything including farming and businesses are not working but with this peace program they brought into the LG we are optimistic that it will bridge peace in our dear LG.
“You can imagine having issue with insecurity, husband and wife fighting among other vices, without this kind of program everybody will be confused and that is not healthy at all for the growth of any society. So this kind of program will help normalize things and people will be able to go about their normal businesses. We are soliciting that they extend this program to be able to enter into more areas so that Chikun at the end of the day will become the most peaceful LG within Kaduna metropolis.” Salasi said.
