…Pledges to set-up ‘PAVE Desk Officers’ in 23 LGAs
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna State’s Ministry of Local Government Affairs has acknowledged the need to partner with ‘Partnering Against Violent Extremism’ (PAVE) Coalition, in order to curtail threats of violent extremism across communities in the State, in consolidation with the current administration’s efforts to curb insecurity.
The Local Government Affairs Commissioner, Hon. Sadiq Mamman Lagos (represented by Director of Inspectorate of the Ministry) who made the remarks, expressed the Ministry’s readiness to also partner closely with PAVE and other relevant stakeholders in addressing these issues at the grassroots level.
Earlier in an advocacy visit, the State Chairman of PAVE Coalition, Mr. Eric John, called on the ministry to integrate counter-violent extremism strategies into local government planning and budgeting processes, strengthen the capacity of local councils to monitor early warning signs, and facilitate community-led dialogue for peace-building.
Responding, the Director of Inspectorate, who described it as “timely,” said “PAVE’s visit could not have come at a better time than now. We recognize the urgent need to work hand-in-hand with community-focused initiatives like PAVE to prevent violent extremism before it takes root.
“As a concrete step towards institutionalizing this partnership, the ministry pledged to establish PAVE Desk Officers in all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
“These desk officers will serve as liaison points for coordination, reporting, and joint programming with the PAVE Coalition and other Peace-building actors,” he said.
Furthermore, the Director advised the Network to place a request for a formal invitation to the PAVE Coalition, to make a presentation at the upcoming Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) meeting.
“This key forum, attended by all Local Government Chairmen and the Executive Arm of the Government, provides a platform for PAVE to advocate for the integration of counter-violent extremism strategies into local government planning and resource allocation.
“We want every LGA chairman and key decision-makers in the executive arm to understand the role they can play in building peace and resilience. Your presentation at the JAAC meeting will help drive that message home,” the Director added.
“This marks a significant step towards deepening collaboration between government institutions and civil society in the collective effort to prevent violence and foster peace in Kaduna State,” the Director stated.
PAVE Coalition state chairman had earlier in his speech expressed conviction that the fight against violent extremism cannot be won without the active leadership and coordination of the local government institutions.
He said Kaduna State has long been a symbol of Nigeria’s diversity and resilience; yet, their communities continued to grapple with the threats of extremism, radicalization, and communal division.
These, Mr. Eric John said, are not abstract challenges, but are realities that disrupted lives, displaced families, and destroyed futures, noting that the Ministry of Local Government Affairs holds a critical key to changing this narrative.
“Local Government Councils are closest to the people. They know the pulse of their communities, the warning signs of extremism, and the opportunities for prevention and Peace-building.
“It is time to transform local governance, from passive administrators to active peace actors. We call on the Ministry of Local Government to: Integrate counter-violent extremism strategies into local government planning and budgeting processes.
“Strengthen the capacity of local councils to monitor early warning signs and facilitate community-led dialogue and peace-building, partner with PAVE to implement inclusive and youth-driven initiatives that address the root causes of violence and extremism and creating a desk officer for PAVE in each of the LGA,” he suggested.
According to him, “Extremism thrives where silence prevails and institutions are disengaged. But peace takes root where local leadership is inclusive, informed, and proactive.”
PAVE, therefore, urged the ministry to convene a State-Local Government Roundtable on Preventing Violent Extremism, in partnership with PAVE and other key actors, to chart sustainable pathways for safer and stronger communities.
“This is our call to action, and we invite every local council chairperson, every traditional leader, and every ward representative to join us. Together, we can build a Kaduna State where our diversity is not a source of division, but a pillar of peace,” he reiterated.