Story By DAUDA ILIYA
The United Nations Women (UN Women) says plans are underway for the review and implementation of State Action Plans (SAPs) for Peace and Security in Borno and Yobe states.
Country Representative of UN Women to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong stated this during a visit to heads of security security agencies, human rights and humanitarian organisations as well as key ministries and agencies of government in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
During a visit to Borno state Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Ms. Eyong noted that the action plans which was launched in 2014, have been pivotal in promoting peace and security in these regions.
Represented by the UN Women Programme Coordinator Mr. Peter Mancha, Ms. Eyong noted that the five objectives include prevention and disaster preparedness; participation and representation; protection and prosecution; crisis management, early recovery, and post-conflict reconstruction; and partnerships, coordination, and management.
She reaffirmed UN Women’s goal to integrate new peace and security issues and to establish and strengthen coordination mechanisms that will enhance the implementation, monitoring, and reporting processes.
“Emerging security challenges and a growing demand for more robust policy documents have highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the existing SAPs”;Eyong said.
She added that UN Women is committed to supporting the governments of Borno and Yobe states in this endeavour, through the State ministries of Women Affairs under the framework of the “Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue Project”.
The Commandant of the Borno Command NSCDC, Faruk Musa Boyi, reiterated his team’s readiness to collaborate with UN Women and other stakeholders.
“Our command is fully committed to supporting women, peace, and security initiatives in Borno State. The fight against gender-based violence is a top priority, and we are ready to work hand-in-hand with UN Women to ensure the protection and safety of women and girls in our communities,” Boyi stated.
Organisations visited included the Nigerian Police Force, National Human Rights Commission, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
PR/Dauda Iliya
