The North East Youth Initiative for Development (NEYIF) has called on communities in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Jigawa States to take greater ownership of peacebuilding initiatives as the Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) Project comes to a close.
The appeal was made by NEYIF’s Executive Director, Dauda Muhammad Gombe, during the PVE Project Exit and Sustainability Plan Community of Practice for Communities of Implementation, held from September 29 to 30, 2025, at Dankane Guest Palace Hotel, Sokoto. The two-day forum brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, civil society organizations, as well as youth and women leaders.
Gombe underscored that while donor projects have fixed timelines, communities are permanent and must drive long-term peace efforts.
“Peacebuilding is not the responsibility of outsiders alone. It is ours,” he declared.
He highlighted four key priorities for sustaining peace:
- Countering extremist ideologies through credible local voices.
- Supporting reintegration of repentant individuals.
- Addressing root causes of conflict, such as poverty and exclusion.
- Strengthening grassroots structures including peace committees, youth groups, and women’s associations.
The NEYIF Director also emphasized the complementary roles of different stakeholders: civil society organizations will continue to provide skills and partnerships, governments must create enabling policies, and traditional and religious leaders should use their influence to promote unity and tolerance.
Calling for a shift from donor-dependency to community-driven peacebuilding, Gombe said genuine local participation is the only way to ensure long-term stability.
At the close of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining peace in the four states and resolved to strengthen partnerships and grassroots initiatives that will outlive the PVE Project.