CLEEN FOUNDATION ORGANIZES CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND CRIME PREVENTION WORKSHOPS TO PROMOTE PEACE AND SECURITY BETWEEN HERDSMEN AND RURAL DWELLERS IN NIGERIA

CLEEN Foundation in partnership with Local Government Authorities and Security Agencies in the South East and South West regions has opened a series of workshops on conflict management and crime prevention in the regions in response to the increasing conflicts between herdsmen and communities across the country. The workshop is part of series activities under a project geared towards promoting peace and security  by creating platforms for peaceful dialogue and engagement between herdsmen and host communities. The project is supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and being implemented in Ezeagu LGA in Enugu State, Isiukwuato LGA in Abia State, Ideato North in Imo State in South East region, and Saki East and West LGAs in Oyo State and Ikole-Ekiti LGA in Ekiti State in South West region.

The purpose of the workshop on conflict management and crime prevention is to provide a platform for engagement and dialogue with specific focus to  highlight and discuss the cost, impact and burden of the continued clashes and conflicts  in society with emphasis on how it affects the local communities, local government, state and the country at large, that would encourage and ensure  collaborative efforts in mapping  out local strategies to address the problems and  increase communication and engagement amongst all stakeholders concerned. It is also intended to build the capacity of herdsmen and rural dwellers  on conflict management and crime prevention as well as provide opportunities for information sharing and networking between participants and the security agents to ensure easy access to security personnel and prompt response to distress calls.

So far 4 workshops have been organized in Enugu, Abia, Imo, Oyo states respectively and the concluding workshop is taking place today, Thursday, 8th December, 2016 in Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The series of workshops are being facilitated by conflict management and security  experts, and had in attendance participants comprising of representatives of Security Agencies, Community Leaders (Men, Women and Youths) Farmers Association, Miyyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Community Policing Groups, Market Women Association, Local Government Authorities , Religious leaders and the Media

At the end of each workshops, participants have been able to work together to design practical and plausible recommendations as well as strategies on how such recommendations can be best implemented  to ensure peaceful co-existence amongst all stakeholders and improved security in the communities. This has also set the tone for continued peaceful engagement and dialogue amongst the stakeholders.

Other activities under the project include Capacity Building Workshop for Local/informal policing groups in the 5 states to effectively promote peace and stability in the local communities.

CLEEN Foundation is a national non-governmental organization that  promotes  public safety, security and access to justice in Nigeria through empirical research, legislative advocacy, demonstration programmes and publications, in partnership with government agencies, civil society and private sector.

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) is a dependable and supportive partner in the efforts to promote peace, security  and stability in Nigeria, and CLEEN Foundation is honoured for this strategic partnership and look forward to stronger collaborations in the future.

For more information contact us through:cleen@cleen.org