By Ahmed Ali
In a significant step towards fostering peace and stability, Goska and Dangoma communities in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State signed a peace pact in Dangoma. This event was highlighted by the handover of an Integrated Protective Safe Space Center, a project spearheaded by Global Peace Development (GPD) with support from International Alert.
Mr. Ebruke Onajite Esike, the Executive Director of GPD, delivered a welcome address emphasizing the importance of the initiative. “Today marks a significant milestone in our shared journey towards access to justice, accountability, and stability,” Esike said.
The project targets five communities in Chikun and Jema’a Local Government Areas, which have been severely impacted by violence and gender-based violence.
Over the past year, GPD, with funding from International Alert, has engaged and empowered 3,396 individuals through various programs, including awareness raising, training, dialogue forums, and the establishment of Women Peace and Mediation Platforms (WOPEMP). These initiatives aim to address core elements of sexual and gender-based violence and promote sustainable peace processes.
The Integrated Protective Safe Spaces constructed by GPD include furnished buildings, VIP toilets, water boreholes, and peace gardens. “These facilities are designed to provide a safe environment for women and girls and to foster communication and understanding among conflicting parties.” He added
A key component of the peace pact is the establishment of a Joint Peace Committee between the two communities. This committee will monitor the activities of nomads, ensure adherence to community laws, and facilitate solidarity meetings to promote understanding and prevent future conflicts. Both communities have also pledged to report incidents of sexual and gender-based violence.
Mr. Sunday Momoh Jimoh, Project Manager at International Alert, praised the project’s impact, noting that it has become a model for other states to emulate. On behalf of the Country Director of International Alert, Mr. Momoh expressed gratitude to the communities for their cooperation and commitment.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Jema’a Local Government, Yunana Markus Barde, thanked God for the existing peace in the area and appealed to residents to support and cooperate with government agencies in building peace. He urged Muslims and Christians to embrace peace at all levels.
In his goodwill message, the District Head of Nikyob (Kaninkon) Chiefdom, represented by the Village Head of Angwan Tudu, Benedict Bala Bin, applauded the NGO’s initiatives called for more of such projects in other communities.
In their goodwill messages, the Village Heads of Dangoma and Goska also commended the organizations for their efforts in promoting peace and pledged to sustain the existing harmony between their communities.
The event concluded with the formal signing of the peace pact and the handover of the Dangoma Safe Space Center.
This peace pact marks a hopeful chapter for the communities of Goska and Dangoma, setting a precedent for sustainable peace and development in the region.
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