The Kaduna State Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) stakeholders’ forum has partnered with the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) to strengthen peacebuilding and community security.

The chairman of the Kaduna State EWER Stakeholders Forum, Eric John, said this during an advocacy visit to the Kaduna State chairman of ACOMORAN, Garba Giwa, in Kaduna on Friday.

Mr John said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two organisations and encouraging greater participation of commercial motorcycle operators in promoting peace, unity and security across the state.

He said commercial motorcycle riders occupied a strategic position because of their daily interaction with residents, making them key stakeholders in the state’s early warning and early response system.

According to him, the partnership will enable ACOMORAN members to support peacebuilding by reporting early signs of conflict, suspicious activities and emerging security threats before they escalate.

“The advocacy visit is necessary considering ACOMORAN’s strategic role in the transport sector and its potential contribution to strengthening peaceful coexistence across Kaduna State,” he said.

Mr John urged members of the association to continue supporting initiatives that promote peace, tolerance, dialogue, unity and harmonious relationships among people of diverse backgrounds.

Also speaking, the Kaduna State team leader of the Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ), Ibrahima Yakubu, described the engagement as a significant step toward strengthening collaboration among peace actors.

Mr Yakubu said sustainable peacebuilding required the active involvement of transport unions, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media.

He added that stronger collaboration between peace stakeholders and community-based groups would improve information sharing, strengthen early response mechanisms and help prevent conflicts across the state.

Also, George Benjamin of Hope for the Village Child in Kaduna described the meeting as timely, noting that ACOMORAN continued to play important roles in promoting peace, unity and social cohesion.

Responding, Mr Giwa appreciated the delegation’s visit and welcomed the opportunity to deepen the association’s partnership with the EWER Stakeholders Forum.

He assured the delegation of ACOMORAN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in Kaduna State.

Mr Giwa added that collaboration with relevant peace organisations would help create a safer environment, strengthen community relationships and encourage members of the association to contribute positively to security, peacebuilding and sustainable development. 

(NAN)