In a significant step towards fostering peace and security across Nigeria, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has formalized a partnership with the Gray Child Foundation (GCF) and its strategic ally, the Rotary Action Group for Peace, Nigeria. This collaboration will see the implementation of a nationwide “Community Violence Reduction” (CVR) program, designed to address the root causes of violence at the local level.
Speaking on behalf of the Director Preventing and Countering Violence Extremism, Amb. Mairo Musa Abbas, Mrs. Justina Amakor provided an overview of the NCTC’s engagement with the Non-governmental Organization, and emphasized the critical importance of the upcoming CVR program to the overall peace, security, and sustainable development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mrs. Amakor highlighted that the Gray Child Foundation is a reputable NGO with a proven track record in intervening in areas such as peacebuilding, violence prevention, conflict transformation, and the promotion of human security. Furthermore, the GCF is an active partner Civil Society Organization (CSO) in the ongoing NCTC – ONSA led review of the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violence Extremism in Nigeria, demonstrating their commitment to working collaboratively with government agencies to address complex security challenges.
This partnership underscores the NCTC’s commitment to a multi-faceted approach to counter-terrorism, recognizing that sustainable peace requires addressing the underlying factors that contribute to violence within communities. The CVR program aims to empower local communities to become active participants in building a more peaceful and resilient Nigeria.
