The Kaduna government has expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts to address violent extremism.

Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe stated this on Monday in Kaduna when she received a delegation from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

The NCTC operates under the  Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The visit was for a briefing on the ‘Global Community Engagement and Resilient Fund’ interventions.

She expressed appreciation for the centre and its partners’ efforts to combat violent extremism in Kaduna.

The deputy governor also conveyed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani and the state government for the impactful work being done through various initiatives to address the root causes of violent extremism in Kaduna.

Ms Balarabe acknowledged GCERF, the Partnership Against Violent Extremism Network, ActionAid Nigeria and the SERVE III project consortium.

She said, “We are encouraged by the recent approval of a grant by GCERF to support the establishment of a Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism (PCVE) Knowledge, Innovation, and Resources Hub through the PAVE Network.”

Ms Balarabe acknowledged the immense toll that violent extremism had taken on the state, affecting lives, disrupting development, and fostering distrust among communities.

The deputy governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with all the stakeholders to implement ‘State and Local Action Plans’ for preventing and countering violent extremism.

She emphasised the vital link between security and sustainable development, opining that both were interdependent and crucial for the state’s progress.

NCTC-ONSA director Mairo Musa briefed Ms Balarabe on the partnership with GCERF. She explained that the collaboration, which began in 2022, has already seen the implementation of several projects in the state by ActionAid Nigeria.

Ms Musa said the initiatives have been instrumental in addressing radicalisation and preventing violent extremism. She underscored the importance of continued support from the state government to sustain these efforts.

Ms Musa also explained the need for strategic communication and engagement with communities.

ActionAid Nigeria, represented by deputy director of programmes Suwaiba Dankabo, expressed optimism that the secured grant would lead to positive outcomes in Kaduna.

She reeled out the success of the SARVE III project, which has significantly strengthened community resilience against violent extremism across several local governments in Kaduna.

She also reaffirmed  both parties’  commitment to building a safer and more peaceful Kaduna.

(NAN)