International Day of Peace: Foundation commends Zulum’s commitment to peace building

By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –

The Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development in collaboration with the generous support of Open Society West Africa (OSIWA has commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum for his unwavering commitment and determination to return peace, transform and provide sustainable livelihoods support to the displaced persons and victims of the insurgency in the state.

The Executive Director, Allamin Foundation, Hagiya Hamsatu Allamin the commendation on Thursday during an event in Maidugiri to commemorate the 2023 international Day of Peace with the theme,” “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals,”

She said this year’s theme according to the United Nations , “is a call to action to recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace”.

“This therefore underscores the imperative of collective efforts to achieve lasting peace in regions such as ours – the North-East Nigeria, and Borno State in particular, currently being affected ad impacted by the over thirteen years Boko Haram insurgency.

“For over 13 years, the people of Borno State have endured the devastating impact of the insurgency, which left a trail of destruction in its wake, affecting countless lives, livelihoods, properties, and social bonds.

“In the years the Allamin Foundation with its nine Social Networks of Victims and Survivors tagged “Jire Dole”( Kanuri- Truth/Justice is a must for peace) and Members of our @SheBuildsPeace Forum of Women FBOS, supported by its partners such as (Open Society Foundations/OSIWA and International Civil Society Action Network..

“Others include Global Fund for Women Amnesty International, Trust Africa, and recently the UK Aide/ Foreign Common Development Office, who come out annually to amplify victims voices, give them visibility and present their demands.

The Executive Director explained further that “this year peace and and development Networks have been expanded further with our Network of CSOS on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation (NETJUN), our Media Forum on TJ and Reconciliation, our Communality Advocates on TJ and Reconciliation, and our Community Dialogue Forums on Reintegration and Reconciliation.

“We have come out with a difference today – not to cry and blame, but to appreciate and celebrate our Governments and Leaders, Security Agencies, members of the Nigeria including the extremists (who have surrendered) and my fellows who have shifted base as victims to be prime movers on the wheels of development to the lingering crisis.

She noted also that Borno State Government introduced the king “Borno Model,” a comprehensive approach encompassing government, Demobilization, Rehabilitation, Reconciliation and Reintegration

“This visionary strategy paved the way for the mass exodus and of over 100,000 individuals previously associated with Non-State Groups (NSAGS) and ushered in a relative era of peace in the State and the North-Eastern region of Nigeria,” Hamsatu said .

She maintained that successes achieved so far would not have been possible without the efforts of various state security actors as well as the volunteers, particularly the Nigerian Military under the leadership of the then Theatre Commander, Major General Christopher Musa who has now been elevated as the Chief of Defense Staff.

“We had witnessed a transformative approach to the war against in the operation Hadin Kai Theatre, a boost in the Civil – Military Relations, and complete transformation of Giwa Barracks from the “notorious House of Horror”

“Borno has lost a Home of Hope and Rehabilitation, while also witnessing the serial releases of detainees to date (who had been incarcerated for eight years and above.

“Nigerian Military we salute you with our community volunteers, for your resilience, unwavering dedication and sacrifices have contributed to the gradually return of peace in Borno State.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the peace-loving people of Borno State, who have demonstrated their willingness to put aside the past, reconcile with one another, and embrace transitional justice as a means to foster healing and reconciliation, while persevering with patience.

“Our gratitude also goes to the repentant individuals who have chosen the path of surrender, opting for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Their courageous decisions are fundamental to rebuilding communities and ensuring a peaceful future for Borno State.

“We support the Government of Borno State, our security agencies and committed, for together, we can build a brighter, more peaceful future State and work towards achieving the #GlobalGoals for a better world,” she said .