SOKOTO – The European Union (EU) supported project, Resilience, Engagement, and Conflict-Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection (RECAP), has earmarked 4.5 million euros for 537,000 people in 10 local government areas in Sokoto State.
Ms Xenia Stoll, the Political Officer at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, disclosed this at the external stakeholders’ grant opening and RECAP project launch in Sokoto.
Stoll said the project was designed to strengthen local capacity on conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms by improving partners’ understanding of conflict dynamics.
She said it would ensure reinforcement of community mediation structures, create inclusive dialogue platforms and empower youth to act as peacebuilders.
”It will also support conflict-sensitive media engagement to reduce harmful narratives and increase the dissemination of verified peace messages including through local languages.
”Strengthen peaceful coexistence in Sokoto State by reducing conflict drivers and improving resilience, social cohesion and equitable access to services.
”Services included; enhance community dialogue, mediation and conflict resolution, improve inclusive, climate-resilient and conflict-sensitive livelihood,” she said.
According to her, the project would also strengthen access to gender sensitive health, Sexual Reproductive Health Right (SRHR), Gender Based Violence (GBV) and MHPSS services.
Stoll stressed the importance of the EU– Sokoto partnership and underscored the strategic importance of prevention, resilience and inclusive governance highlighting the possible upscale of the project based on successes recorded.
”The EU values the relationship with the authorities in their efforts to provide stability and prosperity for their population. Through the RECAP project we jointly commit to conflict prevention, social cohesion, and human security in Northwest Nigeria.
”By addressing the root causes of violence, such as exclusion, resource competition, and economic marginalization, this action strengthens local capacities for peace and contributes to long term stability in Sokoto State,” Stoll added.
In his remarks, the Country Director, Action Against Hunger Nigeria, Mr Thierno Diallo, emphasised the importance of stakeholders collaboration stressing that the project reflects a collective responsibility to move beyond crisis response and invest in sustainable peace.
Diallo said the RECAP project is funded by the EU and implemented by Action Against Hunger Nigeria (ACF Nigeria), International Alert (IA) and Save The Child Initiative (STCI) with the federal, state and local authorities involved as well as traditional institutions, civil society actors and community leaders.
He said conflict, effects of climate changes, poverty, and displacement intersect demanded inclusive, locally owned solutions.
”RECAP will strengthen community resilience, restore trust, and empower women and youth as central actors in peacebuilding and recovery.” Diallo said.
The Sokoto State Dep. Gov. Alhaji Idris Gobir, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to partnership, project stability and sustenance in view of its importance to people’s lives.
Represented by Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, he described the intervention as an important life changer and appreciated the European Union and Action Against Hunger Nigeria for their continued solidarity with people.
”The focus on dialogue, livelihoods, water governance, and protection directly aligns with our development and peacebuilding priorities.
”We remain committed to providing the necessary institutional support to ensure that this project delivers lasting benefits for our communities, ” Abubakar-Wurno said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, represented by the District Head of Kilgori, Dr Jabbi Kilgori, urged partners to always involve traditional rulers in all their activities as they are closer to the people and understand community structures.
Reports that the event featured contributions from representatives of federal and state ministries, departments as well as civil society organisations and community groups, with reassurances of commitment in order to achieve the desired objectives. (NAN)
