Pulse.ng : Mercy Corps approach to conflict resolution, strengthening resilience in Katsina excites Commissioner

By Zubairu Idris

Katsina State Government has commended Mercy Corps collaborate approach in conflict resolution and strengthening resilience to restore peaceful coexistence in the crisis-prone communities of the state.

The state Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Surajo Yazid, made the commendation when he visited a training session organised for youth from Dandume, Faskari, Sabuwa and Safana local governments.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the four-day training was under the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) project.

The project, funded by the European Union (EU) is being implemented in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).

During the visit, the Commissioner said that the training came at the right time when the government was searching for the lasting solutions to the problem in some parts of the state.

He therefore assured that the government would continue to join hands with such organisations to strengthen resilience and enhance peaceful coexistence.

The commissioner urged the participants to consider themselves as peace ambassadors in their respective communities, by demonstrating the skills they have learned.

In a short remarks, the Senior Programme Manager, Mr Philip Ikita, told the commissioner that they always encourage dialogue between the parties involved in conflict.

He revealed that the training was aimed at promoting locally-driven peace initiatives and preventing conflict through "Interest-Based Negotiation (IBN) and Community and Social Development Resource Management (CSDRM)".

One of the trainees, Yusuf Halliru from Sabuwa, said that they were taught ways to resolving conflict, and strengthen resilience, because without peace, there would be no development.

He said that they would continue to sensitise other youth on the importance of dialogue and resilience in the society.

Halliru urged the government to continue to support Mercy Corps with a view to restore lasting peace in the state.

The commissioner presented certificates to the trainees at the end of the programme.