Mirian Gom 
KATSINA, Nigeria – A European Union-funded conflict-prevention initiative begins a four-day community dialogue and advocacy training aimed at strengthening grassroots peacebuilding in Katsina State.
The programme, under the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) project, seeks to consolidate gains recorded under earlier reconciliation efforts in North-West Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening session on Monday, Mercy Corps Senior Programme Manager Philip Ikita says the initiative promotes inclusive, community-driven solutions to insecurity and economic disruption.
“The objective is to reinforce peace and socio-economic stability through locally driven and sustainable approaches,” he says.
The CPCRR project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Organization for Migration in partnership with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development.
Ikita says the programme operates in 48 communities across Katsina and Zamfara States, with current activities covering Batsari, Danmusa, Jibia, Kankara, Dandume, Faskari, Sabuwa and Safana local government areas.
Participants—including farmers, herders, women’s groups, persons with disabilities, civil society organisations and government officials—are trained in dialogue facilitation, advocacy, needs assessment and action-plan design to address the root causes of local conflicts.
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Chukwu Obinna 
Oluwatobi Adu 