NEWSLETTER
www.wanepnigeria.org

April-June, 2024

GOODWILL MESSAGE

Editor’s Note
This quarter has been a period of significant progress and impactful
engagements as we continue our mission to foster peace andstability across Nigeria. We were honored to host representatives
from USAID, the esteemed funders of the PARTNER Activity
implemented by WANEP-Nigeria. We had the pleasure of
welcoming Mr. Dan Morris, Deputy Director of the Peace and
Democratic Governance Office at USAID, and Mr. Muktari Shitu, to
our Abuja office. Their visit, part of USAID's routine partner
engagements, provided us with an invaluable opportunity to
showcase our ongoing initiatives and discuss future strategies.

Mr. Daniel Morris, the Deputy Director, Peace and
Democratic Governance Office and Mr. Muktari Shittu,
of USAID visited the Abuja office of WANEP-Nigeria.
Ben Morris seen here, going through Security Checks.

These sessions aimed to equip participants with the skills
necessary for effective conflict resolution and constructive
media engagement.
Our commitment to empowering women peacebuilders
continued with a 3-day online mentoring program for the next
generation of women leaders in peacebuilding. This initiative iscrucial in fostering inclusive peace efforts and ensuring diverse
perspectives in conflict resolution.
Find these and many more updates on our activities and theimpactful work happening across Nigeria.

Also, in this quarter, our collaboration with the Plateau
Peacebuilding Agency (PPBA), under the PARTNER activity madeI hope that you would enjoy reading and also send us yourremarkable strides in peacebuilding. In Naraguta Community, Jos
feedback. Thank you for your continued support andNorth LGA, we successfully facilitated discussions around farm
engagement with WANEP-Nigeria.
encroachment issues. The community collectively agreed on theestablishment of designated cattle routes to prevent futureWarm regards,
conflicts. This achievement underscores the importance of dialogue
Aveseh Asoughand collaboration in building peace. The PARTNER activity also
Communications Officer,
conducted series of Interest-Based Negotiation (IBN) trainings for
WANEP-Nigeria
community-based structures; and conflict-sensitive reporting
workshop for media practitioners in Benue, Nasarawa, Kano, andKatsina states.
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April-June, 2024

Goodwill
Message

As we look ahead to the next quarter, we are excited toconsolidate our community peace interventions with renewed
vigor. We anticipate even greater engagement from our youth,
women, and persons with disabilities, whose active participation
is vital for sustainable peacebuilding. Their involvement willfurther enrich our initiatives and ensure that our peacebuilding
efforts are inclusive and far-reaching.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their support
and commitment to the realization of our overarching goal of‘an enhanced citizens and state capacity for sustainable peaceand security’ in Nigeria.
God bless Nigeria !!!
Warm regards,
Osariemen Amas-Edobor
Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP) – PARTNER
WANEP-Nigeria

IBNM ToT
Osariemen Amas-Edobor

Dear Esteemed Colleagues and Partners,
It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest greetings toeveryone as we reflect on the achievements of WANEP-Nigeria for
the April to June 2024 quarter. Our collective efforts andunwavering commitment to peacebuilding have led to remarkableprogress across our target locations. One of the highlights of thisquarter has been the ongoing success of the USAID-funded
PARTNER Activity. Through this initiative, we have continued toengage with communities, fostering open communication andcollaborative problem-solving. These community engagement havebeen instrumental in addressing local security challenges, building
trust and cohesion among community members.
Additionally, our capacity-building activities for community-based
structures have yielded impressive results. The Interest-Based
Negotiation and Mediation (IBN+M) trainings facilitated by WANEPNigeria in collaboration with the Kaduna State Peace Commission(KSPC) and the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) in tier two
states of Kano, Katsina, Benue and Nasarawa stand out as asignificant achievement. These trainings have empowered
community leaders and groups with the requisite skills necessary to
promote peace and resolve disputes non-violently.

The PARTNER activity in collaboration with WANEP-Nigeria andsupported by KSPC and PPBA conducted a Training of Trainers(ToT) workshop on IBN for PARTNER consortium members on April
18 to 20, 2024 in Kaduna state. The training engaged 18
participants (M:11/F:7) from The Kukah Centre, Mambayya Houseand the Independent State Peace Architectures (ISPAs) in Kano,
Katsina, Nasarawa and Benue states.

IBN ToT for consortium members in Tier-two states

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April-June, 2024

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IBNM Trainings in tier two states

Migration, Urbanization, andConflict in African Cities(MUCA)The MUCA Close-out Event, which held on June 16, 2024, at theInstitute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja,
showcased several key outcomes aimed at fostering sustainable
peace and development in African cities by tackling urbanizationand migration challenges.
A major outcome was the creation of inclusive urban policies
designed to meet the needs of both migrants and residents, thus
minimizing potential conflict sources. These policies, supported byevidence-based recommendations, are intended for adoption at
local, state, and federal levels to improve the management of
migration and urbanization in Nigeria. Additionally, the event
underscored the importance of increased collaboration andnetworking. Strengthening partnerships among academic
institutions, government agencies, civil society, and communitybased organizations was highlighted as essential.

Following the ToT, the PARTNER consortium led community-levelstep-down Interest-Based Negotiation (IBN) training for membersof the PARTNER Community-Based Reconciliation Committees(CBRCs), selected key community stakeholders, media and Civil
Society Organisations (CSOs). The training took place inNasarawa and Benue states from May 6 to 8; and in Kano andKatsina states from June 3 to 5, 2024. The objectives were toenhance the existing capacity of the community-based
structures to address local issues and introduce new approaches
to conflict management. The presence of media personnel
heightened the visibility of the PARTNER activity within the
Indigenous social media community, contributing to raisingawareness of the PARTNER community’s activities.
A total of 131 participants attended the workshop across the four(4) states, including 98 females, 33 males. Out of the 131
participants, 9 were Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

IBNM Participants in Katsina

IBNM Participants in Kanowww.wanepnigeria.org

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April- June 2024

NATIONAL YOUTH FORUM ON
INTERGENERATIONALPEACEBUILDINGCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INJOS NORTH LGA ON FARM
ENCROACHMENT ISSUES.

(Mentoring the Next Generation of Women Peacebuilders)
The two-day Young Women Forum which held between May 15 to
16, 2024, in line with the United Nations Security Council
Resolutions (UNSCR) 2250 and 1325, underscores the vital rolesof youth and women in peace and security. The Young Women
Forum focused on fostering mentorship, leadership, andcollaboration among future female leaders. The forum's theme,"Mentoring the Next Generation of Women Peacebuilders,"
highlighted its mission to support young women in becoming
influential advocates for peace.
The virtual meeting organized by WANEP-Nigeria with support
from the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) and
the Government of Canada, brought together 115 participants,
including young women and male champions across Nigeria.

The PARTNER activity in collaboration with PPBA, with support
from WANEP Nigeria assisted the community-based structuresin Naraguta Community, Jos North LGA of Plateau State inresolving farm encroachment issues.
The goal was to foster dialogue, understanding, andcollaboration aimed at resolving the long-standing conflict
between farmers and herders in the community.
During this engagement, it was unanimously agreed that theestablishment of designated cattle routes is essential topreventing future farm encroachment during cattle grazing
activities. The communities proposed to identify two (2) cattle
routes. These routes will enable herders to navigate their cattle
safely to grazing areas without encroaching on farmlands, thus,
addressing farmers' concerns around crop damage and otherconflicts.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Community-Based
Reconciliation Committee (CBRC) and the Traditional Councilof Rigiza District. This meeting is part of an ongoing effort to– Harriet Beacher Stowe.
resolve the persistent farmer-herder conflicts in the Naraguta
Kunga intervention site of Jos North LGA.
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Women are the realarchitects ofsociety.

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April-June, 2024

Selection Of Community-Based
Gender Focal Persons In Benue,
Nasarawa, And Katsina States

Capacity Building On Prevention
Of Conflict, Peacebuilding, And
Violent Extremism
Adhering to the principles of effective peacebuilding andconflict management, a 3-day training workshop on Conflict
Prevention, Violent Extremism, Crisis Management, andPeacebuilding in Nigeria was organised in FCT-Abuja toenhance the skills and knowledge of participants in theseessential areas. Funded by the European Union (EU), theResearch and Action for Peace Network (REcAP project is
implemented by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding(WANEP), DRC and SIPRI, the workshop convened a diverse
group of stakeholders including CSOs.
Twenty (20) participants were engaged, as the training also
provided a platform for networking and partnership.

The selection, validation, and documentation of communitybased gender focal persons took place from June 5 to 28, 2024,
in Benue, Nasarawa, and Katsina States. This initiative,
conducted by the PARTNER Consortium—which includes IPCR,
WANEP-Nigeria, and Mercy Corps Nigeria (MCN), was focused onsensitizing community women about the need to identify andreport gendered threats, such as various forms of Gender-Based
Violence (GBV), and the importance of gender inclusivity inpeace processes.
A total of 84 female participants from Dutsinma and Kurfi were
engaged. The initiative also highlighted the importance ofempowering women at the community level to recognize andaddress gender-specific challenges, thereby fostering a more
inclusive and peaceful environment.

Man must evolve for all human conflict amethod which rejects revenge, aggression
and retaliation. The foundation of such amethod is love.

www.wanepnigeria.org– Martin Luther King, Jr.

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April-June, 2024

Theory of Change Training,
Abuja

Empowering Women In Kwata
Zawan: Building Peace And
Resilience.

WANEP-Nigeria’s Programs Manager, Kevin Abonyi and
Aveseh Asough, the Communications Officer, represented
WANEP-Nigeria at a 3-day training on ‘Theory of Change’,organized by ActionAid, Nigeria and SERVE III.
The workshop is for Preventing and Countering Violent
Extremism (PCVE) Knowledge, Innovation & Resource Hub(KIRH) in pursuance of the “System and Structure
Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent
Extremism (SARVE III) project in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and
Sokoto States.
Also attending the workshop are WANEP’s Zonal
Coordinator, North West, Dr. Muhammed Mustapha andSaviour Akpan - WANEP’s Early Warning Monitor in AkwaIbom state.

The PARTNER activity on June 25, 2024, held an event titled"Empowering Women in Kwata Zawan: Building Peace andResilience" in collaboration with the established communitybased structures in Kwata Zawan. The event aimed to raiseawareness for women's rights, enhance economic independence,and the importance of collective action. The event also
highlighted the community women's role in building peace andsocial cohesion within their communities.
Other issues discussed include, community commitment towards
GBV reduction and other discriminatory practices and actions
towards promoting increased women participation inpeacebuilding processes. Participants resolved to organize
awareness sessions for teenagers on SGBV; advocacy for thepunishment of sexual exploiters; and to seek for women's
representation in traditional councils.
The community initiative brought together 50 women fromdiverse ethnicities including Geomai, Yoruba, Tangale, Ngas,
Marawa, Igbo, Michika, Ron, Mushere, Chakphem, Tarok, andethnic Fulani women from neighboring community of Kwata
Zawan. A major milestone achieved is the recognition andinclusion of other ethnic minorities in a context largely
dominated by Berom ethnic group.
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April-June, 2024

Successstories

Plateau: Augwan Rukuba andNaraguta/Kunga
Advocacy by PARTNER community structure in Anguwan
Rukuba (Jos North LGA in Plateau State):

Aligning with the PARTNER objectives, particularly Outcome 3,
which focuses on “fostering collaboration among key
stakeholders to build trust and confidence within communities
and between communities and security forces”, communitybased structures in the PARTNER intervention sites in tier one
states of Kaduna and Plateau have been actively involved ininitiatives promoting social cohesion and dialogue. These
efforts are crucial for addressing the root causes of violence
and creating a safer environment. Below are some of theinitiatives undertaken:

Kaduna: Kakuri and Zangon Kataf

On April 26, 2024, representatives from the CBRC and EWMRG
in Anguwan Rukuba engaged in advocacy efforts to increaseawareness of the PARTNER activity as well as strengthen
collaborative partnerships with key traditional and religious
stakeholders, and institutions in the community, such as the
traditional council and elder’s forum. Acknowledging thesignificant influence wielded by these stakeholders, theadvocacy aimed to garner support and commitment tocommunity initiatives targeted at preventing and mitigating
violence. The impact of community awareness and effective
partnerships can significantly enhance program outcomes byfostering support, collaboration, and sustainability.

Through active engagement in the PARTNER activity,communities in Kaduna State have recorded varioustransformative initiatives that have paved pathways for peaceand social cohesion.

The advocacy engagement serves as a strategic entry point for
the PARTNER activity to establish partnership with thetraditional council and to develop locally-driven solutions
towards enhancing peace and social cohesion.

In Angwan Wakili community of Zango Kataf LGA in Kaduna
State, a group formerly dubbed ‘Okada Boys’ known for
unsettling the vicinity's peace experienced a profoundtransformation and gradually evolving into law-abiding
individuals dedicated to promoting peace in Zangon Kataf.
Their inclusion and active engagement in the PARTNER
community framework facilitated the desired behaviouralchange.

The PARTNER community-based structures in North Bank,
Makurdi LGA of Benue State, initiated advocacy efforts with
the District Head of North Bank community to secure support
towards the implementation of the community Peace Action
Plans and to introduce the PARTNER activity.

Also, in the Kakuri community of Kaduna South LGA in Kaduna
State, the Community-Based Reconciliation Committee’s(CBRCs) intervention proved pivotal in resolving a feud that had
fractured two families. The discord had escalated to the extent
of involving security authorities at the Military Strike Force Basein Kakuri. However, following the committee's mediation, thefeuding families reconciled, choosing to embrace peace,leaving behind the shadows of their past grievances.

Advocacy Visit

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Benue Advocacy Visit

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April - June, 2024

Successstories
Plateau: Bible Faith/Rafin Pa(‘Feast of Peace’)
In another development, the women of Bible Faith/Rafin Pa
PARTNER structures in Jos North, Plateau State organized a joint
sallah and easter celebration tagged ‘Feast of Peace’ on April
15, 2024. The feast, which brought together women from varied
ethnic and religious backgrounds, was targeted at promoting
community peace by encouraging inclusivity and dialogue
among women. The event also served as an avenue to createawareness on progress made thus far on the PARTNER program
particularly as it relates to building relationships to strengthen
future community engagement. As part of their commitment tostrengthen the ideals of peace, the community women of Bible
Faith/Rafin Pa collaboratively pledged to create platforms foryoung girls to engage in peace-related activities throughmentoring and coaching.

The Feast of Peace organised by Bible Faith/Rafin Pa women

Unity Football Match in
Naraguta/Kunga (Jos North) organisedby the CBRCs:

Naraguta/ Kunga football match

As part of the violence prevention initiatives, the PARTNER
Community-Based Reconciliation Committees (CBRCs) inNaraguta/Kunga organized a unity football match on April 11,2024. The football event, which coincided with the Muslim
sallah and Christian easter celebrations, aimed to strengthensocial bonds and foster a sense of community among youths
from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds. The sporting
event reflects the community's shared commitment to creatinga safe and inclusive environment where teamwork and respect
are essential to reducing tensions and preventing conflict.
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April - June, 2024

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG
ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKINGIn Angwan Rukuba community of Jos North LGA of Plateau State;and Samaru community in Sabon Gari LGA of Kaduna State, theCommunity-Based Structures on the PARTNER activity incollaboration with WANEP-Nigeria, Plateau Peace Building
Agency (PPBA) and the Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC)
conducted series of activities to mark the ‘International Day
Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ on June 26, 2024, withthe theme “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention.” Thisinitiative was from their community Peace Action Plan developedin 2023 as part of the community's efforts towards promoting
peace and social cohesion.

In Samaru community of Sabon Gari LGA in Kaduna State, thecommunity-baased structures partnered with the anti-drug freeclub at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, National Law
Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Red Cross, to raiseawareness on the devastating effects of illicit drug andsubstance abuse. Also, the PARTNER community-based
structures, led by the coordinator, hosted a session on a radio
program at the ABU FM in collaboration with the ABU Drug-FreeClub.

Other commitments and strategies proposed towards by thecommunities include a. A community task force to be established in Angwan Rukuba
comprising of youth leaders, women’s groups, elders, and local
community security outfits and saddled with the responsibilities of
eradicating drug peddling and public smoking in Angwan Rukuba.
This will take effect on July 8, 2024.

b. The Angwan Rukuba Youth Forum (AYF) to draft penalties fordefaulters, and the Neighbourhood Watch assigned to enforce
curfew to reduce peddling and drug/substance abuse.
c. Educational rallies and banners proposed to raise awarenessabout the dangers of illicit drug/substance.

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April- June, 2024

Birthday celebrants

Valerie Edem
April 19

Arinze Ononye
April 27

Kevin Abonyi
May 16Babalola Dawodu
May 17

Bolanle Omidiji
June 2Barau Emmanuel
April 29

ABOUT USestablished in 1998 as a regional Civil Society Organization
focused on conflict prevention and peacebuilding in West
Africa. With its headquarters in Accra, Ghana, WANEP has
formed strong national networks in the 15 ECOWAS Member
States, comprising over 750 member organizations in theregion.
WANEP

aims

to

fostercollaborative

relationships

amongpeacebuilding organizations to prevent and resolve conflicts. Its

Bridget Affiah
May 22

Osariemen Amas-EdoborMay 21

Owor-Agbor Nkifan
June 17

The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) was

Kolawole Olatosimin
April 30

Patricia Unegbu
June 30

In Nigeria, WANEP-Nigeria was established and registeredin 2001 and 2003, respectively, serving as an organized
platform for indigenous Non-Governmental Organizations tocollaborate on peacebuilding, conflict transformation, anddevelopment. Operating through a network membership
structure, WANEP-Nigeria provides technical support to its
members across all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal
CapitalTerritory(FCT-Abuja),

while

encouraging

thedevelopment of context-specific intervention strategies.

expertise lies in facilitating structural and social reforms by

The

providing a platform for concerted efforts among West African

Peacebuilding

network's

key

societies.

Response,

ActiveDemocracy

andwww.wanepnigeria.org |www.wanep.org
Documentation.

focus

Network

Non-violenceGood

include
Early

andGovernance,

wanep-nigeria@wanep.org | news@wanepnigeria.org
www.wanepnigeria.org

areas(WIPNET),

Peace
and

Women

WarninginandEducation,

Researchand