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By Rasheedat Oladotun-Iliyas
Following reports of unrest in some parts of Kwara State, Civil Society and Non Governmental Organizations have been charged on inclusion of security advocacy as part of their primary objectives.
The Zonal Director, North Central of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Princess Priscilla Gondoalour gave the charge at an interface with representatives of the associations in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
Princess Gondoalour, said although NOA can boast of community presence across Nigeria, the CSOs are closer to the people and are able to mobilize them for national cause.
She said the unrest in part of the country leading to abandonment of farmlands, threatens food security and called for deliberate as well as sustained efforts by the organizations to curb the trend.
The NOA Zonal Director, emphasized that inclusion of security sensitization, training and advocacy in the programmes of CSOs would complement efforts by security agencies and NOA’s value reorientation drive.
Princess Gondoalour also cautioned against disrespect of traditional institutions; urged Nigerians to adopt a national identity; be mindful of information they post on social media platforms; and urged them to report suspicious activities in earnest.
In a remark, the Convener, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, Kwara State, Abdulrahman Ayuba expressed readiness to comply with the NOA’s directives but emphasized that activities of foreign miners needed to be checked through proper profiling for identification.
Also, the Executive Officer, Global Hope for Women and Children, Christy Abayomi, stated that early warning signs and response should be taken seriously to check spread of unrest.
Executive Director, Impact Driving Initiative for Sustainable Development, Gafar Isiaka cautioned traditional and religious leaders against utterances that could result in violence or misinterpretation while Hajia Nimaat Labaeka said CSOs are driven by passion and compassion for humanity and are willing to intensify their sensitization efforts for sustainable peace.
In a submission, Founder, Olu Adeyemi Foundation, Olusegun Adeyemi, described NOA and CSOs as bridges of communication and maintained that mobilization for action was required for improved security.
Other participants at the event, including Mrs Margret Erinle of Community Need Care Initiative, called for immediate prosecution of perpetrators of violence arrested so far, and improvement in economic hardship.
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