33,789 Benefit from ActionAid Project in Kaduna, Kano
A total of 33,789 individuals have benefitted from ActionAid Nigeria’s System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalisation to Violent Extremism (SARVE III) project in partnership with Global Peace Development (GPD) across Kaduna and Kano States.
This achievement was announced at the project’s closeout, learning, and dissemination ceremony held in Kaduna.
The SARVE III project aimed to prevent and counter violent extremism by fostering social cohesion, empowering communities, and offering socio-economic opportunities. Out of the total number of beneficiaries, 23,004 women and 10,785 men directly participated in the project’s initiatives.
The project also helped strengthen community resilience by equipping 606 individuals—175 young males, 209 young females, and 222 adult women—with livelihood skills to reduce their vulnerability to extremist ideologies.
Ebruke Onajite Esike, the Executive Director of GPD, described the project as a beacon of hope, emphasizing that its success was driven by collaboration among community leaders, government, and dedicated individuals in the 12 communities targeted by the initiative.
These communities include Damishi, Kujama, Nariya, Kudenden, Turunku, Likoro, Kudan, Gwargwage, Wusasa, Gumel, Kachia, Ungwan Masara, and Takau.
In his keynote address, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, represented by his deputy, Hajiya Suwaiba Dankabo, underscored that the project aligned with global efforts to combat violent extremism. He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of extremism such as unemployment, gender-based violence, and social exclusion, by protecting human rights and promoting equal opportunities.
Mamedu further noted that preventing violent extremism is not only a security issue but a societal and developmental challenge that requires a holistic approach. He highlighted that protecting and fulfilling the rights of people living in poverty helps combat injustice and build resilience in communities.
Kaduna State’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Bello, represented by Professor Usman Zaria, Director General of the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, acknowledged the project’s impact in promoting social cohesion and empowering vulnerable communities. He emphasized the importance of empowering local communities, promoting equal opportunities, and strengthening social fabric in countering the drivers of violent extremism.
Bashir Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, commended ActionAid Nigeria and GPD for engaging youth and women through initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods.
Malam Muhammad Rili, General Manager of the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency, also praised the project’s role in linking economic empowerment to peacebuilding. He encouraged communities to remain committed to sustainable development and resilience.
