ActionAid Nigeria has inaugurated thirty two member of the State Conflict Management Alliance ((SCOMA) with a call on the People to seek and embrace peace as a panacea to sustainable development.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mrs Folashade Arike gave the charge on Tuesday at the inauguration of the State Conflict Management Alliance (SCOMA), convaned by ActionAid Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID) said no amount of money is too much to spend in achieving peace.
She described conflict as necessary when people live together, however urged people to learn to forgive, forget towards managing conflicts.
The Secretary to the State Government was represented at the occasion by Mr. Benjamin Ajodo, Director, Cabinet and Special Services, advised people of the state to always resolve there issues amicably, describing peace as not negotiable.
She described ability to manage conflict by the present administration as the reasons why the state is enjoying relative peace, commended Gov. Yahaya Bello for making security of lives and properties his priority.
She lauded the efforts of the administration of Gov. Bello in managing conflicts when it occurs, said conflict is a part of the life of a people, explained that how it is managed is what matters.
Earlier in her opening remarks, Halima Oiza Sadiq, Executive Director, Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID), said SCOMA creates a platform for strengthening measures to tackle and respond to violent extremism.
She described peace as the basis for the socio economic development of any nation, said SCOMA aims at encouraging broad societal participation and oversight of conflict Management mechanism.
In his brief overview of SCOMA, Afeduntan Adesina Adewale, Manager, Social Mobilization, Actionaid, said the alliance when implemented will ensure inclusiveness of constructive engagement between groups towards ensuring accountability and feedback on security processes.
He added that SCOMA aims to equally improve capacity and effectiveness of Communities and relevant institutions to respond to violence and to promote peaceful coexistence.
While noting that the expected outcomes of SCOMA helps coordinate early warning and early response mechanism, says it will lead to better coordination, improve professionalism, build trust and confidence, added that it allows for better understanding of information flow about underlying and triggers of conflict in the state.
Highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Kogi State 32 Man SCOMA Committee, headed by the Secretary to the State Government as Chairman.
Other members of the committee where drawn from the traditional institution, persons with disability, tertiary institutions, women and youth organization.
Similarly, the State Assembly, Farmers and Market Association, and other critical stakeholders formed part of the committee.
The event was attended by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, and Women Affairs and Social Developement, Commission of Police, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General of the State and other relevant stakeholders.
