A non-governmental organisation, Peace in South-East Project, has called for a non-kinetic approach to tackling the insecurity currently ravaging the South-East.

Project Coordinator, PISE-P, Ogbonna Ukuku, said during a virtual news conference that the non-kinetic approach would be built on the seven pillars of sustainable development.

He listed the seven pillars for sustainable development to include education, agriculture, commerce and industry, infrastructural development, culture and tourism, sports and entertainment including governance and leadership.

He stated, “The vision is designed to be achieved in the next five years with genuine interest in revitalising the social, political, and economic growth of the South-East.’’

He said that the objective of the project encompassed a range of transformative actions, such as reorienting citizens towards national unity, identifying causes of conflicts, and developing effective strategies for their management.

Mr Ukuku said that the overall aim was to promote peace, stability, drive progress, and create resilient communities that facilitate social cohesion in the South-East region.

“For education, the organisation plans to establish and renovate schools in conflict-affected areas, enhancing teacher training, providing teaching materials, and establishing scholarship programmes for vulnerable and disadvantaged students.

“PISE-P plans to establish business incubation centres, provide access to start-up capital, strengthen market linkages, support value chain development, and encourage the establishment of cooperatives and business associations.

“The plan is also to facilitate trade and investment fairs to drive economic growth and job creation.

“This is aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and vocational training for young people through the pillars of commerce and industry. Additionally, the organisation seeks to empower and nurture the youth as the future leaders of tomorrow through strategic programmes that are politically, economically, and socially engaging,” Mr Ukuku said.

Director Programmes, PISE-P, Karu Simon, said that their mission was to restore the South-East’s rightful place in the national political space and usher in the era of democracy dividends.

He commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, for his overwhelming support and the role he played in the organisation.

In her remarks, Director of Media, PISE-P, Mary Ikoku, emphasised that the task of rebuilding the South-East was not only with political, religious, and traditional leaders but also with every individual.

She called on all stakeholders to join hands in repositioning the region for progress and development. 

(NAN)