The European Union (EU), through funding support to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and Mercy Corps, has launched a Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) project in Zamfara State.
Speaking at the official launching at Government House Gusau, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gautier Magnot, expressed appreciation to the Zamfara State Government and the people of the state for their warm hospitality.
The Ambassador explained that the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience project, initially launched in Katsina State, has now been extended to Zamfara State to cover Gusau and Bungudu Local Government Areas, with plans to consider the inclusion of Tsafe LGA.
Mr Gautier Magnot emphasized that while the EU does not directly implement projects, it provides funding through partners while the Key implementing partners for the initiative include the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mercy Corps, and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
According to him, the organizations would work closely with communities to strengthen locally led peacebuilding efforts.
He stressed that, the Activities will include community, interfaith and intercommunal dialogues designed to improve early warning and early response systems, and to support sustainable conflict resolution mechanisms.
Adding that, a strong focus will also be placed on mental health and psychosocial support, helping affected populations heal from trauma and rebuild their lives. Protection initiatives will prioritize vulnerable groups, reducing the risk of radicalization and strengthening overall community resilience.
The ambassador acknowledged the complex drivers of insecurity in Nigeria, including banditry, youth unemployment, climate change, competition over natural resources, and communal disputes.
Ealier, the Head of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ms. Dimanche Sharon, who spoke on behalf of partner organizations, called on communities in Zamfara State to keep hope alive as a foundation for lasting peace and stability..
Ms Sharon commended the people of Zamfara for their resilience despite years of insecurity, noting that, the new programme is designed to transform that resilience into sustainable peace and stability across the state.
According to her the initiative, supported by the European Union and implemented in partnership will work closely with government authorities and local communities to address the root causes of conflict.
While explaining the programme’s objectives, the IOM Head of Mission said it will focus on establishing local peace committees to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than violence. She noted that unresolved community disputes remain one of the biggest drivers of insecurity in the state.
The programme will also support the restoration of livelihoods through skills training, agricultural assistance and support for small businesses, targeting youths, women and persons living with disabilities. This, he she, will help communities rebuild their lives free from fear and dependency.
“If people cannot farm, cannot graze, cannot share resources or put food on the table, insecurity will persist,” he said, stressing that the programme is timely and relevant in addressing these underlying challenges.
He urged families and communities to take ownership of peacebuilding efforts, noting that early signs of conflict are often first noticed at home. Mothers and young people, he said, play a critical role in identifying and addressing tensions before they escalate.
In a remark, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr Dauda Lawal who welcomed the EU delegation and partners, described the project as timely and critical to the state’s peacebuilding and recovery efforts.
According to the Governor, the project aligns with the state government’s development philosophy, which prioritizes people-centered governance, inclusion, and sustainability.
“Preventing conflict, responding to crises, and strengthening resilience are interconnected. This project complements our efforts to strengthen local peace architecture, improve livelihoods especially for youth and women and enhance coordination among government institutions,” he added.
The Governor commended the European Union for its sustained partnership and thanked all the partners for their technical expertise and commitment to Zamfara State.
He assured stakeholders of the state government’s full political and institutional support and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth, women, and civil society organizations to actively participate in the project’s implementation.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
