The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has intensified efforts to promote peace and economic stability in Nigeria’s central zone under its PEACECORE II project in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution, commenced a three-day training programme for media practitioners in Kaduna State.
The training is aimed at strengthening conflict transformation and improving livelihoods among vulnerable groups.
The project, titled “Strengthening Capacities for Conflict Transformation and Livelihood for Groups in Vulnerable Situations in Nigeria’s Central Zone,” is being implemented between 2023 and 2027 in partnership with the Federal Government, state governments, the private sector, civil society and the media.
Building on the successes of PEACECORE I (2019–2023), which focused on peacebuilding between farmers and herders in the Middle Belt, the second phase expands its scope to include livelihood support alongside conflict resolution in Kaduna, Plateau and Taraba states.
According to the project outline, PEACECORE II seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive coexistence through non-violent, gender-responsive conflict transformation, while enhancing sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for women, youth and other vulnerable groups.
Giving an overview of the programme the Communication Advisor, PEACECORE Project Oladipo Olurishe said the key interventions include strengthening state peace institutions and civil society coordination, facilitating dialogue and healing through mediation and psychosocial support, and promoting climate-sensitive livelihoods through employment and entrepreneurship initiatives.
He said the project also prioritises youth engagement as a tool for preventing radicalisation, while advancing gender inclusion by addressing structural barriers affecting women. In addition, infrastructure development such as water and veterinary facilities is being supported to improve social cohesion and economic activities.
Oladipo Olurishe disclosed that the initiative has recorded significant milestones, including empowering over 2,000 individuals on social cohesion and radicalisation prevention, facilitating 50 peace agreements among conflicting parties, and providing psychosocial support to more than 100 children, aiding their reintegration into communities.
GIZ further revealed that 784 beneficiaries reported up to 200 per cent increase in income following the provision of mini-grants for businesses, while over 5,000 people were trained on hygiene promotion, contributing to reduced disease outbreaks.
In efforts to address climate challenges, the project has supported the planting of more than 12,000 economic and indigenous trees, alongside the execution of 21 infrastructure projects to improve water access and livestock services.
The initiative also underscores the role of the media in shaping narratives around conflict, particularly among young people, by countering misinformation, promoting peace messaging and amplifying youth-led initiatives that foster unity and resilience.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the programme would further consolidate peace and drive inclusive development across the targeted states.
The training, which is ongoing at Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna is aimed at equipping journalists and media professionals with the necessary skills to effectively report conflicts, promote peace building, and support conflict-sensitive journalism.
Source- Tracereporters.
