While declaring the event open, the National Coordinator of the Centre, Major General Adamu Garba Laka said, violent extremism remains one of the most complex security challenges of our time. It threatens national security and the very fabric of various communities, institutions, and social cohesion. He added that in response to this, Federal Government of Nigeria developed the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for PCVE to serve as a guiding strategy for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in tackling radicalisation and violent extremism in Nigeria. However, he nited, “a policy is only as effective as its implementation, and that is why we are gathered here today, to ensure that we take deliberate and strategic steps toward localising and operationalising this framework.”
He stated that the 2 days event would focus on 2 critical components that are central to the success of PCVE efforts in Nigeria. Firstly, the domestication and localisation of the PF-NAP for PCVE. This he said, would be done through exploring strategies to integrate PCVE principles into the operational frameworks of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as at the state and local government levels. According to him, the gathering would also identify existing gaps, challenges, and opportunities for institutionalising PCVE efforts across various sectors.
Secondly, the validation of the PCVE Guidelines and Strategic Communication Plan. For this, he stressed, stakeholders would conduct a thorough review of the draft PCVE Guidelines to ensure they align with national priorities, security realities, and international best practices. General Laka further stated that the meeting would validate the draft Strategic Communication Plan, taking cognisance, that effective messaging is crucial in countering extremist narratives, fostering positive community engagement, and ensuring that our responses remain proactive, and evidence based.
“I sincerely appreciate every one of you for your commitment to this cause. I encourage us all to engage meaningfully in the discussions, share experiences, and collaborate in developing practical, realistic, and sustainable solutions,” he said.