The Benue State Government in North Central Nigeria is preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with a United Kingdom-funded programme known as Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG). The collaboration is designed to promote peace and enhance food security through coordinated efforts between both parties.
This development followed a consultative meeting in Makurdi where key stakeholders from different sectors met to finalise the details of the partnership.
The Project Coordinator, Dr Shalem Shiekuma, said the project focuses on tackling food insecurity in areas affected by violence, especially in Logo, Agatu, and Gwer West Local Government Areas. “The focus of the project is on building peace through strategic alliances, particularly in areas where conflict has led to food crises,” he said.
Dr Shiekuma added that part of the plan is to create a security framework for the state that will strengthen resilience and support lasting peace in vulnerable communities. He also confirmed that the project will involve close coordination between implementing partners and the Benue State Government.
He further stressed the importance of stakeholder participation and expressed confidence that traditional rulers and community leaders will support the process.
Another participant, Dr Edward Amalia, shared his optimism about the initiative’s potential to make a broad impact. He noted that the programme is supported by reliable partners dedicated to ensuring its successful execution.
The SPRiNG project is focused on addressing challenges linked to conflict, the effects of climate change, and governance issues in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions through local peacebuilding and government partnerships.
