Lagos: The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, has emphasized the importance of partnership and collective efforts in eradicating violent extremism in the country. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 32 participants from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) on Countering Violent Extremism, he highlighted the need for united action against this global menace.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Countering Violent Extremism Course 5, 2024, which commenced on October 26 and concluded on November 8 at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) in Lagos, saw participants from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Togo, and Liberia undergo rigorous training. Maj.-Gen. Mijinyawa commended the collaboration between MLAILPKC and the Government of Japan, facilitated through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for making the course possible. He quoted former UN Secretary-General Kofi Ann
an, stating that the greatest weapon against extremism is collective action, underscoring the need for partnership in eradicating violent extremism.
Maj.-Gen. Mijinyawa pointed out that violent extremism continues to threaten global peace and humanity, calling for stakeholders to unite in addressing its root causes. These include enhancing education, engaging communities, and creating economic opportunities. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of resource persons and facilitators involved in the training, urging graduates to apply their newfound knowledge in their respective roles.
Mr. Matthew Alao, Team Lead for Governance, Peace, and Security Unit at UNDP Nigeria, described violent extremism as a complex problem requiring nuanced solutions. He encouraged participants to view their training as a foundation for building resilient communities and sustainable peace. Alao emphasized that countering violent extremism involves more than security measures; it requires addressing root causes, fostering incl
usive societies, and offering hope.
Lt.-Col. Thomas Nimele from the Armed Forces of Liberia and Maj. Felix Adongo from the Ghana Army shared insights gained from the course, highlighting the importance of non-kinetic approaches in countering extremist ideologies. They emphasized understanding and addressing the root causes of extremism to effectively tackle this global issue.