Northern Pulse: Stakeholders Unite in Kaduna to Strengthen Inclusive Peace Efforts

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

Key stakeholders, community leaders, and development partners convened at Asa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna, for the Building Inclusive Peace Project Reflection and Dissemination Meeting covering Kaduna and Katsina States.

Organised by Gender Awareness Trust under the SPRiNG Programme, in partnership with Tetra Tech International Development and UK International Development, the event reviewed achievements, shared findings, and strengthened strategies for sustainable peacebuilding.

The Executive Director of Gender Awareness Trust, Dr Lydia Umar, emphasised the importance of collective effort in sustaining peace, describing it as a continuous process built on trust, inclusion, and shared responsibility.

The meeting featured goodwill messages from stakeholders, including representatives from Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs (MISHA), Ministry of Women Affairs and Society Development (MWASD), Ministry of Justice (MOJ), and local government chairmen from Kaduna South, Sabon Gari, and Zangon Kataf.

Speakers highlighted the role of grassroots engagement in fostering unity, strengthening relationships, and reducing conflicts across communities.

A representative of the SPRiNG Programme, Mr Emmanuel Barau, noted that sustainable peace emerges when communities feel heard, respected, and actively included in decision-making processes.

The Programme Manager of Gender Awareness Trust, Sophie Akut, presented end-line evaluation findings, outlining lessons learned and best practices for strengthening inclusive participation and community engagement.

Community structures supported by the project shared experiences, noting that previously unheard voices are now included in dialogue, strengthening ownership and trust within communities.

A major highlight was the unveiling of the project’s impact and learning report, showcasing measurable progress in promoting peaceful coexistence and enhancing community resilience.

The Commissioner of MISHA, represented by Mr Amos, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between government and communities to preserve and expand the gains achieved.

Awards and certificates were presented by GAT consultant, Esther Hadiza Ijeaku, who also emphasised the way forward, focusing on continuity and strengthening local ownership.

The meeting concluded with closing reflections and renewed commitment from participants to advance inclusive peacebuilding efforts across Kaduna and Katsina States.

Participants described the gathering as a new beginning, reaffirming a stronger commitment to building peaceful and resilient communities for the future.(NAN)