Participants at a one day policy dialogue on building resilience of communities have stressed the need to create economic opportunities for returnees to ensure sustainable peace.
Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri Professor Aliyu Shugaba at the dialogue session in Maiduguri said providing means of livelihood to youths is capable of dissuading them from joining violent groups.
Represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration Professor Mohammed Mele, observed that education is another critical factor of building resilience in regained communities.
Borno state Director National Orientation Agency Shettima Ja’afar Imam and Garrison Commander seven Division Nigerian Army Brigadier General Haruna noted that fighting terrorism require multidimensional approach to succeed.
Coordinator Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment said thirteen years of Boko Haram insurgency has damaged infrastructure, destroyed economies and dislocated means of livelihood.
“As we witness the return of peace in the state in particular and North East in general, we must celebrate the communities, leaders, citizens and institutions and organisations who made effort and sacrifice in ensuring and sustaining the peace we are enjoying” Ambassador Shehu said.
Ambassador Shehu called on government to implement the recommendations that will emanate from the dialogue for the betterment of the society.
The dialogue was attended by security agents, traditional and religious leaders as well as civil society organisations.
Cov/Dauda Iliya