By Abdul Kareem

The Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment (PACHE), in partnership with the British Council, and Borno state government, successfully concluded its ‘Youth Initiative for Reintegration and Sustainable Peace in Borno State’ with a workshop in Maiduguri.

The project, which has been instrumental in fostering peace and aiding the reintegration of ex-combatants into society, marked its closure with a ceremony attended by government officials, international partners, and community members.

Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, President of PACHE, who opened the workshop with a speech said the initiative has been a beacon of hope in Borno State, a region long suffering from the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency. He said “it is no longer news that the Boko Haram insurgency has entered its 14th year and has caused undesirable consequences… What is news was the event of 5th July 2021, which became a game-changer.”

Under the leadership of Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, a Community-Based Reconciliation and Reintegration initiative was launched, which PACHE supported through this project, enhancing the capacity of young activists in disengagement and de-radicalization efforts.

Ambassador Shehu detailed the project’s three-stage model, emphasizing the importance of community dialogue and the establishment of a platform for young peace ambassadors. He commended the leadership and the enabling environment provided by Governor Zulum, the special adviser on security, Brig. Gen A.S. Ishaq, and commissioners Prof. Usman Tar and Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo for their instrumental role in the project’s success.

The project manager, Mr. Yazid, outlined the design and execution of the initiative, stating.

“The project seeks to achieve the following objectives: Mobilization and strengthening of platforms for youth-led peacebuilding initiatives… and facilitate the process for engagement of youths in the follow-up of repentant insurgents.”

The closing ceremony was not just a commemorative event but also a platform for laying out future strategies for sustaining peacebuilding efforts.

Among the dignitaries, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, presented a paper detailing the government’s post-conflict reintegration strategies and the management of the mass surrender of Boko Haram insurgents.

Stakeholders in attendance, including Hon Zuwaira Gambo, Hon Inna Galadima, the first female council chairperson in Jere local government, and Professor Kyari Sandabe, among others, offered goodwill messages, lauding PACHE and its collaborators for the successful project and expressing hope that the trained youth Peace advocates will continue their vital work.

The workshop concluded on a high note, with plans for the Youth Peace Advocate Initiative to be handed over to the Borno State Government and the establishment of a Youth Peace Council, ensuring that the seeds of peace sown by this project will continue to flourish in the hearts and minds of Borno’s communities.