KAD Com’, CSO Seek Inculcation of Peace Education, New Budget Line for MDA’s

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna.

Kaduna Peace commission, Civil society organizations, that include ,Aid Foundation, African Media Development Foundation, (AMDF)LEGASI, have called for the New Budget Lines in the Ministry of Education to train teachers and the Guidance and Counselling Unit of Institutions to inculcate peace education which is central to building peaceful and a stable future.

“New budget lines incorporated in MDAs to deal with issues of conflict management and peace-building particularly Ministry of Agriculture, Human Services and Social Development, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Ministry of Health with a specific focus on psycho-social support and counselling as it is instrumental to peace and stability.

In a communique jointly signed by Emmanuel Bonet,Executive Director, AID Foundation, Sekyen Dadik, Executive Director, AMDF (NNF Member) Kaltumi Abdullazeez, Executive Director, LEGASI (NNF Member Hannatu Ahuwan, LEADS issued to newsmen at the end of one day conference held in Kaduna with the theme:Strengthening Coordination of Peace Interventions in Kaduna.

The Communique further explained that “There’s the need to streamline interventions on the part of partners and cooperation among sister MDAs.

“A coordinated framework to ensure quality service of the justice system and advancing Alternative Dispute resolution system with the Budget and Planning Commission, Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary.

“New Budget lines in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to boost operational capacity of traditional leaders in promoting peace in their communities.

“Prioritize strategic investment in peace building; strategic efforts should mobilize skill-sets and expertise from the community to the state level.

“A collaboration between Government, CSOs, Local actors and all stakeholders will be more efficient in amplifying impact, accelerate progress in promoting peace processes.

“There should be a Coordination that is coherent and complimentary and a holistic approach that tackles the root of conflict, fosters social cohesion and promotes inclusive development.

The Communiqué maintains that “Prioritize capacity building initiatives that empower local leaders, mediators, and youths as change agents and peace champions.

“Development partners should prioritize working with local organizations domiciled in the state for sustainability purposes.There’s a need to treat peace budget as an emergency or emergency fund just as we have the security vote.

“Prioritize engagement with the Private Sector: Peace and stability are prerequisite for a thriving business environment. Hence, it is important for the private sector to show commitment to peace beyond corporate social responsibility and philanthropy.

“Inculcate Climate Change action in peace and conflict programming because of its cross cutting nature.

“Kaduna peace Commission should coordinate the activities of all partners and local initiatives to prevent duplication of efforts.Inclusivity is fundamental in achieving lasting peace, top down approach and exclusive negotiations will not solve the problem.

“Active and meaningful participation of all stakeholders including marginalized groups like women, youths, and Persons with disabilities will build trust and commitment towards supporting the process.Therefore, a strong coordination of all stakeholders working on these different aspects will support lasting peace”.