The European Union has launched a €4.5 million conflict prevention and resilience initiative in Sokoto State aimed at addressing insecurity, climate stress, displacement and socioeconomic vulnerabilities affecting communities across the state.
The project, known as RECAP- Resilience, Engagement and Conflict Prevention for At-Risk Populations’ Protection in Sokoto State, was officially unveiled on Wednesday during an External Stakeholders Grant Opening Meeting held in Sokoto.
The 18-month intervention, funded by the EU and implemented by Action Against Hunger Nigeria in partnership with International Alert and Save The Child Initiative, will cover 10 local government areas and is expected to benefit more than 537,000 people.
Speaking at the event, Xenia Stoll said the initiative reflected the EU’s commitment to peacebuilding, social cohesion and human security in Northwest Nigeria.
Stoll stated, “The European Union values the relationship with Sokoto State. We support the governor and state authorities in their efforts to provide stability and prosperity for their population.
“Through the RECAP project we jointly commit to conflict prevention, social cohesion and human security in Northwest Nigeria. By addressing the root causes of violence such as exclusion, resource competition and economic marginalisation, this action strengthens local capacities for peace and contributes to long-term stability in Sokoto State.”
Representing the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, the state Commissioner for health, Abubakar Umar, described the intervention as timely and essential, noting that Sokoto faces growing challenges linked to insecurity, climate pressures and resource-based conflicts.
“It is with great honour to address you today on this important occasion marking another milestone in our collective effort to promote peace, resilience and sustainability in Sokoto State,” he said.
Abubakar, who represented Deputy Governor Idris Mohammed Gobir, commended the European Union and development partners for their continued support to vulnerable communities in the state.
“This initiative is both timely and essential. Sokoto State faces complex challenges including insecurity, climate pressures, livelihood vulnerabilities and resource-based conflicts. These realities require coordinated, community-driven and sustainable approaches,” he stated.
According to him, the project’s emphasis on dialogue, livelihoods, water governance, mental health and psychosocial support demonstrates a strong understanding of the root causes of conflict and vulnerability.
“This effort will not only address immediate needs but also strengthen long-term resilience and social cohesion,” he added.
The commissioner further assured that the Sokoto State Government would provide institutional support to ensure successful implementation and community ownership of the project.
“The government of Sokoto State views this initiative as a strategic partnership aligned with our development priorities. We remain fully committed to supporting the implementation through our institutions, ensuring strong coordination, full participation and local ownership,” he said.
Also speaking, Thierno Samba Diallo stressed the need for inclusive and locally driven peacebuilding initiatives.
“This project reflects our collective responsibility to move beyond crisis response and invest in sustainable peace,” Diallo said.
“In Sokoto State, conflict, climate stress, poverty and displacement intersect in ways that demand inclusive, locally owned solutions.
“Through RECAP, Action Against Hunger Nigeria, International Alert and STCI, with support from the European Union and in partnership with the Federal and Sokoto State Governments, we are committed to strengthening community resilience, restoring trust and empowering women and youth as central actors in peacebuilding and recovery,” he added.
The RECAP initiative forms part of the broader EU partnership with Sokoto State, which includes political engagement, humanitarian assistance, support for civil society organisations and collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to strengthen peace and development across the state.
Read the full article here
