WEST AFRICAN FULANIS ORGANIZE CRUCIAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION SUMMIT FOR DIALOGUE IN KADUNA 19-02-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria, GAFDAN has organized a one-day conference with stakeholders on peace building toward addressing the ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers along the West African region.
The National President of the Association, Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi said the primary goal of the conference was to facilitate dialogue and bridge the gap between herders and farmers considering the strained relationships that have surfaced in recent times.
Dr. Abdullahi stressed the importance of initiating conversations not only between herders and farmers, but also in fostering understanding between Nomadic Pastoralists and other communities across the region.
He pointed out that, the conference significantly examined the various Government policies and programs including the Fulaku initiative that sought valuable insight and feedback from the intended beneficiaries of the initiatives.
According to the GAFDAN National President, the participants actively discussed the Fulaku Initiative introduced by the Federal Government, as well as shed more light on its impact and potential improvements.
A Christian cleric, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru who made presentation on peace and unity underscored its critical role in the Africa region, adding that, peace is a vital component for sustainable growth and development in any nation.
“As an indivisible entity bound together by a common destiny, Nigeria requires peace to unlock its endowed human and material potentials, propelling the nation to greater heights,” he emphasized.
Dr. Buru called on the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS to employ strategic diplomatic means in bringing an end to the current situation.
In addition, the National President of the Network of Peace Journalists Comrade ibrahima yakubu, along with other prominent Islamic scholars and traditional titleholders who attended the summit pledged commitment to ensure enhanced collaboration with a view to address herders-farmers conflicts in Nigeria and the African region at large.
The conference attracted various Fulani groups from African countries, including Mali and Niger Republic among others.