A non-governmental organisation, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism initiative, in partnership with the Knowledge Innovation and Research Hub (KIRH), has stepped-up efforts to counter violent extremism in North-West.

This is contained in a statement to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday by the group’s Coordinator in Kebbi State, Hassana Abubakar-Koko.

She said, “PCVE initiative, in partnership with KIRH has successfully convened the North-West Node meeting on June 30, 2025, at the prestigious Tahir Guest Palace in Kano. The gathering brought together esteemed representatives from six key states in North-West Nigeria: Kano, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Kaduna. The meeting’s primary objective was to facilitate collaboration, share knowledge, and develop strategies to effectively prevent and counter violent extremism in the region.”

According to her, by fostering dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders, the PCVE-KIRH initiative aims to promote peace, stability, and security in the entire North-West region of Nigeria.

Ms Abubakar-Koko recalled that the significant milestone achieved during the meeting was the formal inauguration of representatives from Kebbi, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.

She added that Chairman of the team, Dr Abdullahi Maiwada, administered the oath of office to the three additional members including Hassana Abubakar-Koko from Kebbi, Prof. Othman AbdulQadir and Grace Sandra Ayuba from Sokoto and Kaduna states respectively, marking their official induction into the initiative.

The Kebbi State coordinator said the meeting’s key discussion points included sharing best practices in PCVE, identifying regional challenges and opportunities, developing tailored strategies for each state, and strengthening partnerships and resource mobilisation.

“These efforts aim to enhance regional cooperation and build resilience against violent extremism,” the coordinator noted.

She said Prof. Jaye Gaskiya of the National Coordinator of the PAVE Network, who joined the meeting via Zoom, emphasised the network’s commitment to supporting regional initiatives and promoting peace and stability in Nigeria.

Ms Abubakar-Koko stated, “Gaskiya highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving the set goals and objectives of the organisation. The PCVE-KIRH initiative, through its PAVE programme, works in collaboration and support of the National Coordinator, National Centre for Counter Terrorism, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and Institute of Peace & Conflict Resolution. By building on these partnerships, the initiative is well-positioned to drive meaningful progress in preventing and countering violent extremism in Nigeria.

“The meeting was generously sponsored by ActionAid, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace and stability in the region.’’

(NAN)