Kukah Centre, KDSG partner to improve security at community level
The Kukah Centre on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kaduna State Government on improving security at the community level.
The MoU, tagged ‘Improving Community Security Initiative for Accountable Service Delivery’, is funded by UK International Development, the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG ), and TETR A TECH.
The MoU was signed on behalf of Kaduna State Government by the Commissioner of Justice, Dr James Kanyip while Fr. Atta Barkindo, signed for The Kukah Centre.
In his remarks, Barkindo who is the Executive Director of The Kukah Centre, said the project is aimed at improving security in communities, particularly issues related to violent conflicts and terrorism.
Barkindo said the project focused on reviewing and improving laws related to state security initiatives, and would provide proper training and coordination for security personnel at the state and community levels.
He said the goal was to enhance security, leveraging local knowledge and initiatives, and address gaps in current security frameworks.
“This project is being implemented without requiring funding from the state government,” Barkindo added while highlighting the importance of women participation and inclusion in decision-making processes at community level.
Barkindo said it was imperative for voices, opinions, and advices of women to be valued and considered, as it is crucial in creating more equitable and representative outcomes.
According to him, the project involves collaboration with state government agencies and focuses on reviewing laws related to security outfits and volunteer groups.
He added that it has component for training on various aspects, including data collection, intelligence gathering, policy development and advisory roles.
Barkindo said it was envisaged that the initiative would spread awareness about national policies related to issues like gender-based violence, child trafficking and abuse.
He disclosed that apart from Kaduna, the project is being implemented Sokoto, Katsina, Benue, and Plateau states, with the intention of scaling it up to other states.
“The goal is to build effective and informed security agencies that understand local contexts and national policies,” the executive director said.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner of Justice lauded the Kukah centre for the initiative, saying that the partnership would facilitate the review and improvement of the state Vigilance Service Law and other security frameworks, as well as the training of security personnel for optimal service delivery.
“This collaboration is notable for being funded entirely by the centre, without requiring counterpart funding from the state government.
“The partnership’s goal is to enhance security, peace, and coexistence among Kaduna State citizens,” Kanyip said.
