From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In an efforts to reduce the spite of insecurity challenges in the country, socio-cultural Group, Middle Belt Brain Trust MBBT in collaboration with Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT) has organized capacity training for Traditional Rulers in Nasarawa state.
Declaring the two day capacity building training open on Monday, at the ministry of local government and Chieftaincy Affairs is the governor of Nasarawa state Abdullahi Sule who said he was delighted to address traditional rulers of the state on the event of the Community Grievance Management Training for Traditional Rulers, organized by the Nigeria Middle Belt Brain Trust.
Sule stressed that the event is aimed at entrenching the culture of peace and harmonious co-existence not only in the region but the country at large, while urging the Forum to sustain the tempo for the good of all.
“It would be recalled that in June last year, we had engagement with the Middle Belt Brain Trust, under Lt. General Martin Luther Agwai in preparation for the hosting of the Nasarawa State Stakeholders Forum through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State. The outcome of the meeting informed the event which we are witnessing today.”
“The theme of this training, “Community Grievance Management Training for Traditional Rulers” resonates with the commitment of our Administration to support Traditional Rulers who are key partners in the maintenance of peace and unity in the State.”
He further said the theme is also in tandem with the policy thrust of his Administration towards stemming the tide of insecurity not only in Nasarawa State but the North-central and the country at large.
“I must say that there could be no better choice of the theme than this, considering the spate of insecurity in the country and the need to evolve measures towards its management.”
“As you are aware, the Traditional Institution plays pivotal roles in the maintenance of peace and security at the grassroots.”
He however noted that his administration will continue to accord priority attention to the institution by providing the enabling environment for Royal Fathers to contribute their quota to peaceful co-existence and societal development.
He therefore called on the participants to leverage on this training to add to their experiences on how to resolve disputes.
“It is my hope and expectation that the outcome of this training will add value in our continued commitment of finding solution to the menace of insecurity at the grassroots.”
In his address, MBBT Chairman- Gen (rtd) Martin Luther Agwai CFR appreciated governor Abdullahi Sule for his support saying his experiences in Nasarawa State have shown that there’s a commitment to ensuring lasting peace and harmony which transcends all sectors and that has served to strengthen resolves to continue on the search for peace and sustainable development in Nasarawa State.
The security expert said they had various engagements sessions, outreaches and dialogues with key stakeholders which culminated in the convening of the first Nasarawa Stakeholders Forum that was hosted and declared open by His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule.
He also noted that in carrying out the report, some challenges were observed but believed that with sustained determination and hard work, the goals of lasting peace and security could be achieved.
“The reality is however, much more complex, involving many more actors. For example, the failure of existing institutions to manage grievances has itself become a major conflict driver, as most community-level conflicts that start out as civil disputes, and that are not solved, escalate to violence and identity conflicts.”
He further said Improving grievance management capacities at the community level would translate into making grievance management and timely resolution of disputes accessible to disadvantaged, illiterate, rural and dispersed population, which would help prevent civil disputes from becoming identity conflicts.
He therefore appreciated the traditional rulers by personally being present and engaging with with the group while looking forward to more fruitful engagements. He added.