About 33,789 lives in Kaduna and Kano states were transformed under the impact by the Systems and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE) III project.
Over its three-year implementation, the project directly benefited 23,004 women and 10,785 men.
The milestone, the Executive Director of Global Peace Development, Esike Ebruke, was unveiled during the project’s closeout, learning, and dissemination ceremony in Kaduna, hosted by ActionAid Nigeria and Global Peace Development.
He said the project funded by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund sought to prevent and counter violent extremism through a comprehensive approach that focused on fostering social cohesion, empowering communities, and providing socio-economic opportunities.
According to him, “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.”
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.
Professor 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.
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.
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