The central idea of Community of Practice for the PCVE Knowledge, Innovation, and Resource Hub is to clearly highlight the critical need for collaborative efforts, innovative strategies, and comprehensive approaches to address violent extremism in Nigeria. It is strongly conceived that the assembly will provide Stakeholders the avenue to engage, share experience, collaborate, work together, and develop practical, realistic and sustainable solutions for the building of a more secure and resilient future by empowering communities, enhancing governance structures, and leveraging technology.
Every CoP will be geared toward deliberations to underscore the importance of continuous engagement, harmonization of PCVE ideas, proactive measures, and the integration of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the fight against violent extremism.
In a concerted bid to kick start the implementation of the adopted Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PFNAP/PCVE), Partnership Against Violent Extremism Network (PAVE NETWORK) through its Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub (PCVE - KIRH), launched and inaugurated with other partners, Community of Practice (CoP) in December 21, 2024 in Abuja, to establish the pathways for the engagement of all stakeholders from all the constituencies, drawn from the Whole - of - Government and Whole - of - Society approach. The event aimed to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and promote innovative strategies to address violent extremism in Nigeria and beyond.
The inauguration the CoP took place from December 18-19, 2024, at Rockview Royale Hotel in Wuse II, Abuja. This significant event aimed to foster collaboration, share innovative strategies, and advance the national and regional PCVE agenda. It brought together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, international partners, academia, and the media.
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES DELIBERATED UPON
1. Economic Situation and Its Impact on Citizens: Mr Jaye Gaskia, Chair of the PCVE KIRH Development and Management Team, emphasized the challenges faced by communities, particularly the lack of formal authority for traditional leaders, leading to communities negotiating directly with bandits for survival. He stated, “Many say the community are the culprit we have taken the basic power and authority that is required for community to act.”
2. Insecurity and Ransom Payments: Mr Jaye Gaskia also highlighted alarming statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, which revealed that Nigerians paid N2.2 trillion in ransoms between May 2023 and April 2024. He noted that only 31% of kidnapping cases were reported to authorities,indicating a lack of trust in law enforcement's ability to act swiftly.
3. Collaboration and Community Governance: Mr Jaye Gaskia stressed the need for restoring formal governance structures within communities, advocating for the election of local leaders with constitutional roles. He argued that empowering local associations and allowing traditional institutions to supervise could enhance security and governance.
4. Policy Implementation and Local Government Autonomy: Yetunde Adegoke from the Global Community and Reliance Fund discussed the proactive measures taken by the government to address security issues, emphasizing the importance of local government autonomy in closing the gap between federal, state, and local levels of governance.
5. Importance of Non-Kinetic Approaches: Adegoke highlighted the need for non-kinetic measures, such as information dissemination and counter-narratives, to complement military approaches. She stressed the importance of providing opportunities for former extremists to reintegrate into society.
6. Policy Gaps and Continuous Engagement: Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo, Deputy Country Director at ActionAid Nigeria, pointed out gaps in policy implementation and the necessity of continuous engagement with communities to adapt strategies effectively.
7. Collaboration Against Terrorism: Major-General Adamu Laka, Director of Policy and Strategy at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in addressing terrorism. Represented by Commodore Ahmed Madaki, he noted the significant progress made through partnerships with civil society, religious leaders, and traditional authorities.
8. Leveraging Technology and Innovation: Laka emphasized the potential of technology, including data analytics and AI, in countering extremist narratives and improving counter-terrorism efforts. He called for deeper collaboration with international organizations and academic institutions to leverage additional expertise and resources.
Also, the CoP made the following submissions in line with the practical efforts for the PCVE. They are: The need for a comprehensive approach to tackle insecurity and its underlying causes. The importance of community engagement, collaboration, and local ownership in preventing and countering violent extremism. The need for continuous engagement with communities and adaptation of strategies to combat radicalization and violence effectively. The potential of technology and innovation in enhancing counter-terrorism efforts.
SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES
The Partnership Against Violence Extremism (PAVE) Network practically used the event to engage Senator Iroegbu and his team at CANAG Communications as the media consultant for the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Knowledge, Innovation, and Resource Hub (KIRH). The media consultant coordinated the media and visibility activities for the PCVE-KIRH's inaugural Community of Practice (CoP) in Abuja.
Senator Iroegbu and CANAG Communications, as media consultants for the inaugural Community of Practice (CoP) of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Knowledge, Innovation, and Resource Hub (KIRH), successfully engaged media organizations,journalists, and the public about the event and the roles of PAVE Network, PCVE-KIRH, ActionAid Nigeria, and other stakeholders. The engagement with CANAG Communications was centered around some key media activities for the CoP and mandate for the successful execution these activities.
The followings are highlights activities and successful execution:
1. Media Engagement: Successfully contacted and engaged national media organizations, ensuring extensive coverage of the event.
2. Pre-Event Publicity: Informed and invited media organizations, journalists, and editors, generating significant pre-event interest.
3. Syndication: Ensured wider publication and mentions by syndicating stories and photos of the event to more media platforms and journalists, with key messages included in the coverage.
4. Brand Impact: Showcased the event's impact and promoted PAVE Network, PCVEKIRH CoP, partners, participants, and stakeholders.
5. Extensive Coverage: Executed media coverage by over 17 national and subnational media platforms, exceeding the officially invited 13 media platforms. This resulted in numerous articles, photos, and news mentions.
6. Keyword Inclusion: Ensured the inclusion of essential keywords such as "PCVE," "PAVE Network," and "ActionAid Nigeria" in most reports for maximum brand effect.
Senator Iroegbu and CANAG Communications effectively executed their mandate by:
● Ensuring Robust Media Presence and Coverage: Enhanced the visibility of the event through extensive media engagement.
● Seamless Coordination with Journalists: Met journalists' needs and facilitated smooth interactions with event organizers and participants.
● Effective Engagement with PAVE Network and Partners: Arranged impactful media interviews with key officials and dignitaries.
● Monitoring and Tracking Media Reports: Ensured accurate and widespread dissemination of the event's objectives and outcomes.
The concerted efforts of CANAG Communications significantly contributed to the successful promotion and coverage of the inaugural Community of Practice for the PCVE Knowledge, Innovation, and Resource Hub. This collaboration exemplifies the crucial role of strategic media engagement in addressing and countering violent extremism.