The Benue State Government has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) with Search For Common Ground (SFCG) to pave the way for the implementation of the Rapid Response For Peace (R2ForPeace) Initiative.
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony which took place Tuesday at the Conference Hall of the Benue State Cabinet Office, Makurdi, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia said the event reflected his administration’s shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in the promotion of peace, stability, and sustainable development across the state.
According to the Governor who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Deaconess Deborah Serumun Aber, Esq, Benue State continues to recognize that lasting development can only thrive in an environment of peace and social cohesion.
He explained that while Benue is blessed with immense agricultural potential and a resilient population, the Government is also mindful of the complex social and security challenges that occasionally affect communities.
Speaking further, the Governor acknowledged that addressing these challenges requires deliberate partnerships with organizations that bring global experience and tested peacebuilding approaches noting that Search for Common Ground is widely respected for its work in conflict transformation, dialogue facilitation, and community-based peacebuilding initiatives across many parts of the world.
“Their emphasis on constructive engagement, inclusion, and collaboration aligns strongly with the priorities of the Benue State Government and one of the immediate areas of cooperation under this partnership is the Rapid Response for Peace Initiative, which aims to strengthen the capacity of communities and institutions to respond quickly and constructively to emerging tensions and conflicts.
“Through early engagement, dialogue, and preventive interventions, this initiative will support ongoing efforts to sustain peace and stability in our communities”, the Governor stated.
Governor Alia however emphasized that, “The Memorandum of Understanding we are signing today is not limited to a single programme or intervention. Rather, it establishes a broader framework for collaboration between the Benue State Government and Search for Common Ground over the duration stipulated in the agreement.
“Through this framework, both parties will have the opportunity to explore and implement a range of initiatives that support peacebuilding, community resilience, social cohesion, governance strengthening, and other development programmes that contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the people of Benue State.”
Governor Alia expressed the State Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for development partners to operate effectively.
“Through the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), the Government continues to strengthen coordination with bilateral and multilateral partners, international organizations, and development institutions to ensure that partnerships are strategic, well-coordinated, and impactful,” he said adding that “Peace remains the foundation upon which all meaningful development is built. Without peace, communities can not thrive, investments can not flourish, and the aspirations of our people can not be fully realized. It is therefore our collective responsibility to continue strengthening partnerships that promote dialogue, stability, and inclusive development.”
“As we sign this Memorandum of Understanding today, we do so with a clear sense of purpose and optimism. We believe that this partnership with Search for Common Ground will support the ongoing efforts of the Benue State Government to promote sustainable peace while opening additional opportunities for collaborative development initiatives in our state,” he summed.
Also speaking during the ceremony, African Director, Search For Common Ground, Rag Mulmi, expressed delight over the development and assured of the organization’s readiness to play its role towards ensuring that the initiative achieves its set goals and objectives.
Presenting an overview of the Rapid Response For Peace Initiative, the Project Manager, Williams Ubimago said the initiative is aimed at improving multi-stakeholder Early Warning Early Response (EWER) coordination mechanisms, improve trust in government-led conflict response for rapid response to conflict triggers in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba States.
According to Ubimago, at the end of its implementation, there would be entrenchment of improved early warning and response systems with clear conflict-alert leading to better collaboration and increased trust between communities and government authorities.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director General, Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BIDC), Leo-Angelo Viashima, who assured that the MoU was thoroughly reviewed through a high level of scrutiny, revealed that the State Government has no financial commitment towards the implementation of the initiative.
He further stated that the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation (BSCPR) will coordinate the implementation process.
The Rapid Response For Peace Initiative is to be implemented in Udei, Umenger and Yelewata Communities of Guma Local Government Area as well as Abeda and Anyiin communities of Logo Local Government Area.
The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Yangien Ornguga as well as the Director General, Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation (BSCPR), Josephine Haba among other key Government functionaries.
