Efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen community participation in development projects received a boost in Gombe State as the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project commenced a training programme on conflict management, conflict risk mapping and peacebuilding.
The initiative was flagged off on Thursday in Gombe during the inauguration of a three-day capacity-building workshop attended by community stakeholders and development partners.
Speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator, Dr Sani Jauro, said the training was designed to improve security awareness, encourage harmony among communities and support the smooth implementation of ACReSAL projects across the state.
He emphasised that lasting development can only thrive in a peaceful environment and called on traditional leaders, community members and other stakeholders to work closely with government institutions to sustain peace and stability.
According to Jauro, regular sensitisation and training on conflict prevention, peacebuilding and security awareness form a vital component of the project’s Security Management Plan.
He also disclosed that the World Bank had approved an additional four-year extension for the programme following the positive impact and achievements recorded during its initial implementation phase in Gombe State.
Jauro attributed the success to the support of Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the dedication of stakeholders involved in executing the project.
He noted that Gombe has earned recognition for its achievements in peacebuilding initiatives and effective implementation of development projects.
The coordinator assured participants that the extension period would be utilised to deepen community engagement, strengthen conflict resolution mechanisms and promote sustainable peace across the state.
Also speaking, ACReSAL Security Management Officer, Mr Kabiru Audu, encouraged participants to actively participate in all sessions to maximise the benefits of the training.
In his remarks, the ACReSAL Desk Officer for Billiri Local Government Area, Mohammed Yusuf, pledged continued collaboration in programmes aimed at fostering sustainable development and peaceful coexistence within communities.
Similarly, the Magajin Garin Kaltungo, Ahmadu Ibrahim, commended the project for enhancing public understanding of peacebuilding and its role in addressing local challenges.
He described the training as both timely and beneficial, noting that it had broadened participants’ knowledge of conflict prevention, community engagement and strategies for successful project implementation.
The workshop attracted about 200 participants, including community leaders, religious leaders and representatives of civil society organisations, reflecting growing commitment to strengthening peace and security at the grassroots level.