EU ambassador visits Zamfara as Gov. Lawal launches €5.1m peace, resilience project

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has launched a €5.1 million European Union (EU)-funded project aimed at strengthening peace, stability and resilience in conflict-affected communities in the state.

The project, known as the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR), was unveiled at the Rescue Hall, Government House, Gusau.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, was present at the launch of the 18-month project.

According to the statement, the project is funded by the EU and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).

It added that the intervention builds on earlier EU-supported peace and reconciliation initiatives and is expected to directly benefit over 95,000 people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, host communities, women and youths across 10 local government areas—eight i“It directly relates to the everyday realities of our people and reflects our shared commitment to creating a more stable, united, and strong society.”n Katsina State and two in Zamfara.

Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal said the peace initiative goes beyond policy documents and programme timelines, noting that it directly affects the daily lives of the people.

He said, “It directly relates to the everyday realities of our people and reflects our shared commitment to creating a more stable, united and strong society.”

The governor welcomed the EU ambassador and development partners, reiterating his administration’s determination to tackle insecurity by addressing its root causes.

“Since this administration began, we have sought to address insecurity in a clear and comprehensive manner. Recognising that lasting peace depends on tackling issues such as exclusion, economic vulnerability, weak institutions and the erosion of community trust, we have focused on these areas to guide our policies and partnerships,” he said.

Governor Lawal described the project as complementary to the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen peace mechanisms and promote peaceful coexistence.

“Peace-building is a collective responsibility that requires commitment from all segments of society and sustained cooperation among partners. It is therefore my honour to formally flag off the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience Project in Zamfara,” he added.

Earlier, the EU Ambassador, Mr Mignot, commended Governor Lawal for his commitment to peace and development, assuring of the EU’s continued support for initiatives aimed at building a more secure and prosperous Zamfara State.

The statement noted that members of the ambassador’s entourage included the IOM Chief of Mission, Ms Dimanche Sharon, and the IOM Head of Sub-Saharan Africa (North-West), Mr Jean Nahesi Katumbakana.

The event was attended by traditional rulers, civil society leaders and other stakeholders.

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