Participants at a one-day policy dialogue on building resilience in regained communities of Borno state. Photo: Dauda Iliya
Participants at a one-day policy dialogue on building the resilience of communities have stressed the need to create economic opportunities for returnees to ensure sustainable peace.
Vice-Chancellor University of Maiduguri Professor Aliyu Shugaba at the dialogue session in Maiduguri said providing means of livelihood to youths is capable of dissuading them from joining violent groups.
Represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration Professor Mohammed Mele observed that education is another critical factor in building resilience in regain communities.
Borno state Director National Orientation Agency, Shettima Ja’afar Imam and Garrison Commander 7 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Haruna noted that fighting terrorism requires a multidimensional approach to succeed.
Coordinator Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu said thirteen years of Boko Haram insurgency has damaged infrastructure, destroyed economies and dislocated means of livelihood.
“As we witness the return of peace in the state in particular and North East in general, we must celebrate the communities, leaders, citizens and institutions and organisations who made effort and sacrifice in ensuring and sustaining the peace we are enjoying,” Ambassador Shehu said.
Ambassador Shehu called on the government to implement the recommendations that will emanate from the dialogue for the betterment of society.
The dialogue was attended by security agents, traditional and religious leaders as well as civil society organisations.
Reporting by Dauda Iliya; Editing by Abdullahi Lamino