LOKOJA- The ActionAid Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has tasked the federal and state governments to integrate young Fulani herdsmen’s children into existing school structure to further enhance peace in the country.
The group also urged the Kogi state government to sustain and strengthen all efforts that could promote peace among people in different communities across the state.
Speaking after a procession organised as part of activities marking the 2017 International Peace Day in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, the ActionAid human security in conflict and emergency manager, Mr Gbenro Olajuyigbe, noted that access to education is a major tool of achieving peace across the nation.
He, therefore, expressed the support of the organisation to the yearning of the Fulani community that requested for schools for their children in the state.
Olajuyigbe challenged the government to sustain and strengthen all efforts and activities that promote peace among people in different communities, emphasising on the need to provide access to education.
He said, “I am using this opportunity to urge the government to integrate young Fulani children into the existing school structure, as we build physical infrastructure, it is a time we begin to focus more investment in human infrastructure.
“Any government that shuts down access to education either by lack of access or through strike actions has opened door to violence and extremism”.
The state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, said his administration would not relent in efforts to build peace in the state.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Isah Omade, the governor said “Our goal as a government is to promote peaceful coexistence of all. We are working day and night to invest in activities and infrastructure that will guarantee peace among our people”.
