The Emergency Preparedness and Response Team (EPRT) has acknowledged the significant role of traditional and religious institutions in fostering advocacy and peacebuilding within communities in Adamawa State.
The purpose of the meeting was to review the organization’s annual activities in collaboration with these institutions, to enhance mutual understanding throughout the state.
EPRT functions under the Initiative for Justice Development and Peace Commission, a Catholic-based organization that engages various stakeholders, including religious and traditional institutions, in advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence.
Mr. Lawrence Yakab, Programme Manager of the Initiative for Justice Development and Peace Commission in Adamawa State, indicated that the assembly included 315 members from the 21 local government areas. The meeting primarily focused on evaluating past initiatives and formulating strategies for future endeavours.
Mr. Yakab emphasized the recognition of stakeholders for their contributions toward the successful implementation of advocacy programs designed to foster peace within their communities.
Danjuma Mailambu of the Mennonite Central Committee stated that the collaborative partnership has yielded positive outcomes in enhancing peaceful coexistence across the state.
Malam Abdulrahman Isa Dason, the District Head of Shelleng, remarked that the program has effectively diminished misunderstandings among various religious and tribal groups within his jurisdiction.
A notable aspect of the meeting was the presentation of awards to various stakeholders, including government agencies and religious and traditional institutions, in recognition of their collaborative efforts to achieve peaceful coexistence in Adamawa State.