From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Mrs Ene Obi, Country Director, Action Aid
The ActionAid Nigeria has launched System and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalization to Violent Extremism ( SARVE2) with a promise to uplift over one hundred and sixty five thousand , three hundred and sixty (165,360) vulnerable youths from radicalism and poverty in Kogi state.
This was disclosed Tuesday in Lokoja by the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria Mrs Ene Obi during the launch of SARVE 2 for Kogi and Nasarawa states.
The Country Director , represented by Director of Programmes, Mrs Tasallah Chibok noted that it was the success of the first phase of the SARVE that necessitated the approval of the Second Phase aimed at reducing violent extremism among the youths and to reduce extreme poverty among the vulnerable women in communities.
Mrs Ene Obi hinted that the project will last fror three years in 24 communities and 12 LGAs in kogi and Nasarawa states adding that the project will work to achieve creation of needed awareness, education , support , information and engagement as defined by the Civil Society Organizations in line with the action plan.
She explained that the action plan for the Phase 2 SARVE is to decrease vulnerability at risk of young men and women while promoting community Systems and structures that address violent extremism are strengthened.
According to the Country Director, ActionAid will intensify actions to improve enabling environment for preventing violence extremism even as supporting communities against injustice and inequalities through building tolerance to mitigate against recruitment of the oppressed for violent extremism.
She identified the target groups to include the in- School Children of 0-15, youths of between 15- 35 , the community, religious and opinion leaders and Duty bearers / Government Officials both at the local and states’ levels.
While assuring the people of improves services for the target beneficiaries and the communities at large said the budget of $2.5m for the three years duration is relaxed enough to add values to the target communities and the people of the states.
She commended the government of kogi and Nasarawa states, the PIBCID and the participating communities for their support saying without them it wouldnt have been a huge success for the organisation.
In a remark , the Kogi state Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello commended the organisation for the reduction of Extremism radicalism among the youths in the state.
Represented by his SSG, Mrs Folashade Ayoade Arike advised parents to always be alive to their responsibility of taking adequate monitoring of their children and wards.
She said the present government frowns at thuggery and all other predatory activities warning youths to avoid being used by politicians to forment troubles.
” The government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello believes in peace and not violence and radicalism . We do not believe in thuggery. We advised parents to curtail the excesses of their children. We are using this medium for parents not to allow their children to be used as scapegoats. Do not allow your children to carry arms for anybody for any reasons.” She warned.
