The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that no fewer than 150 million Nigerians have been affected by insecurity across the country.
Ribadu said this after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja.
The NSA stated that despite Nigerians being predominantly farmers, insecurity has severely disrupted their livelihood, leaving many struggling with hunger.
He emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to address the root causes of insecurity in the country.
He said: “Security is the biggest challenge we are facing across all sectors, but agriculture is the most vulnerable to insecurity. As a nation of predominantly farmers, insecurity directly impacts our livelihoods.
“Whether you are a farmer or from a farming family, we have all been affected in one way or another. Insecurity has turned our lives upside down. By coming together, we can better address this issue. We must unite to restore security and normalcy to our people’s lives.
“Our people desperately need relief. I don’t think there is any country in the world today facing the same magnitude of challenges we are. Given our large population, the number of people affected by insecurity in Nigeria could exceed 120 to 150 million.”
Ribadu stated that the perpetrators of insecurity aim to destroy the country, but that the government would never allow them to succeed.
“The malicious elements are becoming more aggressive, having already destabilized democracies in neighboring countries,” he said.
“Sudan is in turmoil, and similar challenges are evident in Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. However, thanks to our security forces, we remain resilient in the Sahel region. We are facing difficulties, but we are managing to survive.’”
The NSA said the signing of the MOU between NCTC and IITA marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards sustainable peace and security.
“For too long, our approach to countering terrorism has relied predominantly on kinetic responses. While essential, we’ve come to realize that lasting peace requires more than force alone.
Addressing the root causes of violent extremism – such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and social disenfranchisement – is equally crucial. This understanding underpins our whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he said.
According to him, the collaboration with IITA on the Agribusiness and Livelihood Empowerment Project for Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of terrorists, communities affected by violent extremism was a testament to this evolving strategy.
He said the partnership is commitment to non-kinetic approaches that empower individuals, restore livelihoods, and promote social cohesion.
According to the NSA, Nigeria has made significant strides in Demobilization, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration programmes, most notably through Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State.
“We are also witnessing a growing willingness among terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers in the North West regions to surrender,” he said.
National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, stressed the need to address the root causes of violent extremism such as poverty, marginalization, and lack of opportunity through inclusive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society solutions.
He said Federal Government’s Disarmament, Deradicalization and Reintegration (DDR) programme, in Gombe State, has already yielded significant gains, with many low-risk former combatants successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated.
“It is in this context that we consider agriculture as a critical tool for driving economic empowerment, restoring livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion in conflict-affected communities,” he said.
Laka said the signing of the MOU marks a key milestone in the shared efforts to build resilience and reduce the drivers of violent extremism through livelihood empowerment.
He added thy the document will serve as a strategic framework to guide the implementation of the Agribusiness and Livelihood Project, which targets ex-combatants, conflict-affected communities, and widows of fallen soldiers.
“Through this project, beneficiaries will gain access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market linkages supported by collaboration with state and local governments, civil society, and the private sector,” he said.
The Deputy Director General of IITA, Dr. Denshell Kenton, stated that the implementation principles are not new, noting that they have been tested and proven effective.
“These are not quick fixes.The focus is on long-term, sustainable, positive changes that lead to communities becoming much better places to live.
“Because each person and family, one, have enough good quality food, and two, respectable incomes and living conditions that leads to the overall community being stable and prosperous. And when we have many communities, or all communities, in an area that are improved, then we have success.
“I pledge to you that IITA is ready, willing, and able to be your partner in Zamfara, Gombe states, and any other states that decide to join this dynamic partnership that we’re having with NCTC.’
“We don’t claim to have all the answers, but I promise you we will work day and night with commitment and motivation in partnership with you to make communities where we are working together safe, stable, and productive communities”.
(The Nation)
INSECURITY: FG to Empower 150 Million Affected by Insecurity through Agriculture.,..NSA
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that no fewer than 150 million Nigerians have been affected by insecurity across the country.
Ribadu said this after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja.
The NSA stated that despite Nigerians being predominantly farmers, insecurity has severely disrupted their livelihood, leaving many struggling with hunger.
He emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to address the root causes of insecurity in the country.
He said: “Security is the biggest challenge we are facing across all sectors, but agriculture is the most vulnerable to insecurity. As a nation of predominantly farmers, insecurity directly impacts our livelihoods.
“Whether you are a farmer or from a farming family, we have all been affected in one way or another. Insecurity has turned our lives upside down. By coming together, we can better address this issue. We must unite to restore security and normalcy to our people’s lives.
“Our people desperately need relief. I don’t think there is any country in the world today facing the same magnitude of challenges we are. Given our large population, the number of people affected by insecurity in Nigeria could exceed 120 to 150 million.”
Ribadu stated that the perpetrators of insecurity aim to destroy the country, but that the government would never allow them to succeed.
“The malicious elements are becoming more aggressive, having already destabilized democracies in neighboring countries,” he said.
“Sudan is in turmoil, and similar challenges are evident in Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. However, thanks to our security forces, we remain resilient in the Sahel region. We are facing difficulties, but we are managing to survive.’”
The NSA said the signing of the MOU between NCTC and IITA marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards sustainable peace and security.
“For too long, our approach to countering terrorism has relied predominantly on kinetic responses. While essential, we’ve come to realize that lasting peace requires more than force alone.
Addressing the root causes of violent extremism – such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and social disenfranchisement – is equally crucial. This understanding underpins our whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he said.
According to him, the collaboration with IITA on the Agribusiness and Livelihood Empowerment Project for Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of terrorists, communities affected by violent extremism was a testament to this evolving strategy.
He said the partnership is commitment to non-kinetic approaches that empower individuals, restore livelihoods, and promote social cohesion.
According to the NSA, Nigeria has made significant strides in Demobilization, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration programmes, most notably through Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State.
“We are also witnessing a growing willingness among terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers in the North West regions to surrender,” he said.
National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, stressed the need to address the root causes of violent extremism such as poverty, marginalization, and lack of opportunity through inclusive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society solutions.
He said Federal Government’s Disarmament, Deradicalization and Reintegration (DDR) programme, in Gombe State, has already yielded significant gains, with many low-risk former combatants successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated.
“It is in this context that we consider agriculture as a critical tool for driving economic empowerment, restoring livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion in conflict-affected communities,” he said.
Laka said the signing of the MOU marks a key milestone in the shared efforts to build resilience and reduce the drivers of violent extremism through livelihood empowerment.
He added thy the document will serve as a strategic framework to guide the implementation of the Agribusiness and Livelihood Project, which targets ex-combatants, conflict-affected communities, and widows of fallen soldiers.
“Through this project, beneficiaries will gain access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market linkages supported by collaboration with state and local governments, civil society, and the private sector,” he said.
The Deputy Director General of IITA, Dr. Denshell Kenton, stated that the implementation principles are not new, noting that they have been tested and proven effective.
“These are not quick fixes.The focus is on long-term, sustainable, positive changes that lead to communities becoming much better places to live.
“Because each person and family, one, have enough good quality food, and two, respectable incomes and living conditions that leads to the overall community being stable and prosperous. And when we have many communities, or all communities, in an area that are improved, then we have success.
“I pledge to you that IITA is ready, willing, and able to be your partner in Zamfara, Gombe states, and any other states that decide to join this dynamic partnership that we’re having with NCTC.’
“We don’t claim to have all the answers, but I promise you we will work day and night with commitment and motivation in partnership with you to make communities where we are working together safe, stable, and productive communities”.
(The Nation)
LEAVE A REPLY
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that no fewer than 150 million Nigerians have been affected by insecurity across the country.
Ribadu said this after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja.
The NSA stated that despite Nigerians being predominantly farmers, insecurity has severely disrupted their livelihood, leaving many struggling with hunger.
He emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to address the root causes of insecurity in the country.
He said: “Security is the biggest challenge we are facing across all sectors, but agriculture is the most vulnerable to insecurity. As a nation of predominantly farmers, insecurity directly impacts our livelihoods.
“Whether you are a farmer or from a farming family, we have all been affected in one way or another. Insecurity has turned our lives upside down. By coming together, we can better address this issue. We must unite to restore security and normalcy to our people’s lives.
“Our people desperately need relief. I don’t think there is any country in the world today facing the same magnitude of challenges we are. Given our large population, the number of people affected by insecurity in Nigeria could exceed 120 to 150 million.”
Ribadu stated that the perpetrators of insecurity aim to destroy the country, but that the government would never allow them to succeed.
“The malicious elements are becoming more aggressive, having already destabilized democracies in neighboring countries,” he said.
“Sudan is in turmoil, and similar challenges are evident in Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. However, thanks to our security forces, we remain resilient in the Sahel region. We are facing difficulties, but we are managing to survive.’”
The NSA said the signing of the MOU between NCTC and IITA marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards sustainable peace and security.
“For too long, our approach to countering terrorism has relied predominantly on kinetic responses. While essential, we’ve come to realize that lasting peace requires more than force alone.
Addressing the root causes of violent extremism – such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and social disenfranchisement – is equally crucial. This understanding underpins our whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he said.
According to him, the collaboration with IITA on the Agribusiness and Livelihood Empowerment Project for Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of terrorists, communities affected by violent extremism was a testament to this evolving strategy.
He said the partnership is commitment to non-kinetic approaches that empower individuals, restore livelihoods, and promote social cohesion.
According to the NSA, Nigeria has made significant strides in Demobilization, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration programmes, most notably through Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State.
“We are also witnessing a growing willingness among terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers in the North West regions to surrender,” he said.
National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, stressed the need to address the root causes of violent extremism such as poverty, marginalization, and lack of opportunity through inclusive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society solutions.
He said Federal Government’s Disarmament, Deradicalization and Reintegration (DDR) programme, in Gombe State, has already yielded significant gains, with many low-risk former combatants successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated.
“It is in this context that we consider agriculture as a critical tool for driving economic empowerment, restoring livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion in conflict-affected communities,” he said.
Laka said the signing of the MOU marks a key milestone in the shared efforts to build resilience and reduce the drivers of violent extremism through livelihood empowerment.
He added thy the document will serve as a strategic framework to guide the implementation of the Agribusiness and Livelihood Project, which targets ex-combatants, conflict-affected communities, and widows of fallen soldiers.
“Through this project, beneficiaries will gain access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market linkages supported by collaboration with state and local governments, civil society, and the private sector,” he said.
The Deputy Director General of IITA, Dr. Denshell Kenton, stated that the implementation principles are not new, noting that they have been tested and proven effective.
“These are not quick fixes.The focus is on long-term, sustainable, positive changes that lead to communities becoming much better places to live.
“Because each person and family, one, have enough good quality food, and two, respectable incomes and living conditions that leads to the overall community being stable and prosperous. And when we have many communities, or all communities, in an area that are improved, then we have success.
“I pledge to you that IITA is ready, willing, and able to be your partner in Zamfara, Gombe states, and any other states that decide to join this dynamic partnership that we’re having with NCTC.’
“We don’t claim to have all the answers, but I promise you we will work day and night with commitment and motivation in partnership with you to make communities where we are working together safe, stable, and productive communities”.
(The Nation)
LEAVE A REPLY
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that no fewer than 150 million Nigerians have been affected by insecurity across the country.
Ribadu said this after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja.
The NSA stated that despite Nigerians being predominantly farmers, insecurity has severely disrupted their livelihood, leaving many struggling with hunger.
He emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to address the root causes of insecurity in the country.
He said: “Security is the biggest challenge we are facing across all sectors, but agriculture is the most vulnerable to insecurity. As a nation of predominantly farmers, insecurity directly impacts our livelihoods.
“Whether you are a farmer or from a farming family, we have all been affected in one way or another. Insecurity has turned our lives upside down. By coming together, we can better address this issue. We must unite to restore security and normalcy to our people’s lives.
“Our people desperately need relief. I don’t think there is any country in the world today facing the same magnitude of challenges we are. Given our large population, the number of people affected by insecurity in Nigeria could exceed 120 to 150 million.”
Ribadu stated that the perpetrators of insecurity aim to destroy the country, but that the government would never allow them to succeed.
“The malicious elements are becoming more aggressive, having already destabilized democracies in neighboring countries,” he said.
“Sudan is in turmoil, and similar challenges are evident in Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. However, thanks to our security forces, we remain resilient in the Sahel region. We are facing difficulties, but we are managing to survive.’”
The NSA said the signing of the MOU between NCTC and IITA marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards sustainable peace and security.
“For too long, our approach to countering terrorism has relied predominantly on kinetic responses. While essential, we’ve come to realize that lasting peace requires more than force alone.
Addressing the root causes of violent extremism – such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and social disenfranchisement – is equally crucial. This understanding underpins our whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he said.
According to him, the collaboration with IITA on the Agribusiness and Livelihood Empowerment Project for Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of terrorists, communities affected by violent extremism was a testament to this evolving strategy.
He said the partnership is commitment to non-kinetic approaches that empower individuals, restore livelihoods, and promote social cohesion.
According to the NSA, Nigeria has made significant strides in Demobilization, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration programmes, most notably through Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State.
“We are also witnessing a growing willingness among terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers in the North West regions to surrender,” he said.
National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, stressed the need to address the root causes of violent extremism such as poverty, marginalization, and lack of opportunity through inclusive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society solutions.
He said Federal Government’s Disarmament, Deradicalization and Reintegration (DDR) programme, in Gombe State, has already yielded significant gains, with many low-risk former combatants successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated.
“It is in this context that we consider agriculture as a critical tool for driving economic empowerment, restoring livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion in conflict-affected communities,” he said.
Laka said the signing of the MOU marks a key milestone in the shared efforts to build resilience and reduce the drivers of violent extremism through livelihood empowerment.
He added thy the document will serve as a strategic framework to guide the implementation of the Agribusiness and Livelihood Project, which targets ex-combatants, conflict-affected communities, and widows of fallen soldiers.
“Through this project, beneficiaries will gain access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market linkages supported by collaboration with state and local governments, civil society, and the private sector,” he said.
The Deputy Director General of IITA, Dr. Denshell Kenton, stated that the implementation principles are not new, noting that they have been tested and proven effective.
“These are not quick fixes.The focus is on long-term, sustainable, positive changes that lead to communities becoming much better places to live.
“Because each person and family, one, have enough good quality food, and two, respectable incomes and living conditions that leads to the overall community being stable and prosperous. And when we have many communities, or all communities, in an area that are improved, then we have success.
“I pledge to you that IITA is ready, willing, and able to be your partner in Zamfara, Gombe states, and any other states that decide to join this dynamic partnership that we’re having with NCTC.’
“We don’t claim to have all the answers, but I promise you we will work day and night with commitment and motivation in partnership with you to make communities where we are working together safe, stable, and productive communities”.
(The Nation)