The government of the United States says it has committed $15m to the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace programme in northern and the Middle Belt Nigeria over the past five years.
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja which disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, added that the programme had trained over 46,000 community members in crucial skills such as dispute resolution and early warning response across six states – Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, and Plateau.
The statement said the impact of the CIPP programme is evident in its ability to reduce violent conflicts in at-risk communities and involve women and youth in peacebuilding processes.
“Over the past five years, the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, has invested $15m in the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace programme," it said.
“This initiative has trained more than 46,000 community members, including traditional leaders, women, men, and youth, in six states – Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, and Plateau – on skills such as dispute resolution, early warning and early response, reconciliation efforts, and prevention of violent extremism."
The USAID Mission Director, Melissa Jones, emphasised the importance of investing in peace, noting that individuals trained in conflict mediation skills have successfully resolved numerous disputes, preventing further escalation.
Jones said, “The CIPP activity has shown that a timely investment in peace can yield remarkable dividends.
“Individuals trained in conflict mediation skills across Nigeria’s Middle Belt helped resolve hundreds of disputes before they escalated further.”
USAID plans to transfer key community structures, such as Conflict Mitigation Regional Councils and Women Peace Councils to the new Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigerian Early Response activity, ensuring continuity and sustained progress in promoting peace and security in the region.
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