SARVE III Project Impacts 33,789 Lives in Kaduna, Kano – AAN/GPD
By: Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
http://www.newsportng.com.ng Systems and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE) III project has been commended for its transformative impact on 33,789 individuals across Kaduna and Kano states.
The milestone was unveiled during the project’s closeout, learning, and dissemination ceremony in Kaduna, hosted by ActionAid Nigeria and Global Peace Development.
Funded by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, the SARVE III project sought to prevent and counter violent extremism through a comprehensive approach that focused on fostering social cohesion, empowering communities, and providing socio-economic opportunities. Over its three-year implementation, the project directly benefited 23,004 women and 10,785 men.
In Kaduna State, SARVE III was implemented across 12 vulnerable communities in six Local Government Areas: Chikun, Igabi, Kachia, Jema’a, Kudan, and Zaria. Through targeted interventions, the project strengthened resilience by equipping 606 individuals, including 175 youth males, 209 youth females, and 222 adult women, with livelihood skills, reducing their vulnerability to extremist ideologies.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Global Peace Development, Esike Ebruke, described SARVE III as a beacon of hope.
He credited the project’s success to the collaborative efforts of community leaders, government partners, and the unwavering dedication of individuals in the 12 communities targeted by the initiative, including Damishi, Kujama, Nariya, Kudenden, Turunku, Likoro, Kudan, Gwargwage, Wusasa, Gumel, Kachia, Ungwan Masara, and Takau.
Earlier, in his remarks the Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Bello, represented by Professor Usman Zaria, Director General of Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, acknowledged the project’s impact in fostering social cohesion and empowering vulnerable communities.
He noted that the empowerment of local communities, promotion of equal opportunities, and strengthening of the social fabric have been pivotal in countering the drivers of violent extremism.
Prof. Bello emphasized that while the project’s closeout marked a significant milestone, the lessons, skills, and structures established must be sustained to ensure long-term peace and resilience. Bello called for continuous collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, Bashir Mohammed, commended ActionAid Nigeria and Global Peace Development for meaningfully engaging youth and women through initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods.
The Permanent Secretary asserted that engaging young people in productive activities reduces restiveness and drives economic development in the state.
Remarking also, the General Manager of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency, Malam Muhammad Rili, praised the project’s role in linking economic empowerment to peacebuilding, while urging communities to remain committed to sustainable development and resilience.
In his keynote address, the Country Director, AAN Andrew Mamedu, represented by Deputy Country Director Hajiya Suwaiba Dankabo, highlighted the project’s alignment with global efforts to combat violent extremism.
He emphasized the need to address root causes of extremism, such as unemployment, gender-based violence, and social exclusion, by protecting human rights and promoting equal opportunities.
Mamedu further noted that preventing violent extremism is not just a security issue but a societal and developmental challenge requiring holistic solutions. Mamedu stressed that protecting and fulfilling the rights of people living in poverty can combat injustice and build resilience in communities.
The event also featured the unveiling of a compendium of impact stories documenting SARVE III’s achievements, as well as awards recognizing the contributions of outstanding individuals and organizations.
As the SARVE III project closes, stakeholders remain optimistic about the sustainability of its interventions. They called for ongoing partnerships between governments, civil society, and communities to build on the foundations laid by the initiative, ensuring lasting peace and stability in Kaduna, Kano, and beyond.
