By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
The Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) is to synergise with Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) in order to stem violent extremism in the State.
This was disclosed by the Director General of PPBA, Dr Julie Sandra, when the PAVE network paid an advocacy visit to the Agency in Jos the State Capital.
She said, “Our own joy is that there’s a devoted network for this work. “
“So we’re happy that you have come forward so that we can structure our work together, like you’ve said, we have the mandate, and part of our work also is coordination.
“It’s working with you people, so that we can multiply, all of our efforts”, she maintained.
“Like I always say, one stakeholder cannot do this work, never; and a conflict affected states like Plateau, we need more hands, but we must synergise our efforts if we’re to see the impact.
“Otherwise, you’re doing a few local governments here, somebody is doing few there. If we don’t bring it all together, we won’t see the big picture.
“So, on that note, we are very happy that you have come forward; so that we can have a structured discussion and see how far we can go, you know, in amplifying the voices, against violence, extremism, not just the voices, but the actual work that we’re doing, so that we can begin to really see the impact of this work that we are doing now”.
Sanda announced that a “desk-to-desk review” would be conducted by a joint committee comprising agency staff and PAVE representatives.
The agency also committed to revisiting past approaches and incorporating new insights, particularly concerning the proposed Technical Working Group and PCVE Roundtable.
On funding, the DG acknowledged existing LGA collaborations but noted that deeper engagement, as proposed by PAVE, would be explored pending the outcome of the joint review.
The Director of Programmes was designated as the agency’s focal point for follow-up.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chair of Partnership Against Violent Extremism Network in the State, Comrade Jacob Choji Pwakim, said, “Our visit today is hinged on this collaboration and is part of a broader advocacy effort across 13 states, aimed at deepening partnerships and aligning strategies for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) at the State and local government levels.
“It is in this light that we bring forward a set of proposals for strategic collaboration that we believe will strengthen your agency’s work, build on what already exists, and offer concrete tools to address emerging threats, particularly the growing vulnerability of young people to violent extremism.
According to him, “The threat of violent extremism is growing more complex and more local.
But so too is our collective capacity when we act together to prevent it.
“The Plateau Peace Building Agency has the mandate, and PAVE brings the networks and technical expertise.
“Let us seize this opportunity to institutionalise a response that protects young people, restores hope, and reinforces peace in Plateau State.
“Together, we can make Plateau a model of resilience, inclusion, and coordinated action in the face of violent extremism and terrorism”, he stressed.
Presenting PAVE’s four strategic proposals to the agency; Hajiya Amina Ahmed, said they include;
“Formalise a partnership between PSPBA and PAVE to integrate PCVE priorities into Plateau’s Peace Architecture, with technical support from PAVE’s national office.
“Establish a Multi-Stakeholder PCVE Technical Working Group to develop an inclusive, evidence-based PCVE Framework for Plateau State, aligned with the National Action Plan.
“Convene a State-Level PCVE Roundtable involving government, CSOs, donors, and security actors to assess emerging threats and coordinate responses.
“Facilitate local funding allocations for PCVE at the state and LGA levels, particularly in response to declining donor support and short-term program cycles”, she maintained.
The advocacy visit provided a platform for dialogue on how to more strategically address the growing vulnerability to violent extremism in the state.
