A leading non-governmental organisation in Nigeria, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, has met with the Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) in Kano State, North West Nigeria, with the primary aim of partnering to assist both the Federal and State Governments in proffering solutions to the spate of banditary, kidnapping and other security challenges currently plaguing the country.
The two-day working visit by CEPEJ to CHRICED also aims to foster collaboration with similar organisations in North West geo-political zone of the country.
The CEPEJ delegation led by its National Coordinator, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, was Kano State to seek collaboration with CHRICED on how to promote peace through Early Warning System.
Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) in Kano State, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirillah while welcoming the Mulade-led CEPEJ team, said it was a great opportunity for both NGOs to share knowledge and experiences on how to tackle insecurity, build peace, and educate the youths on the need for them to shun violence in their communities, and embrace the spirit of peaceful coexistence.
Comrade Zikirullahi added that the Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education which is regarded as an organisation of active citizens, started in Lagos, and now in Kano, with an Office in Abuja.
He said CHRICED also networks and engages in so many activities.
According to him, the body is working on a project titled Social Mobilization for Transparency and Accountability in Maternal Health, and Resource Budgeting in Kano State; it promotes democratic participation in Kano State, fosters transparency and accountability in constituency project delivery in Kano State, as well as promotes human rights and civic education among Kano people.
The CHRICED Executive Director applauded CEPEJ for its activities and programmes, and invited CEPEJ National Coordinator to attend the 15th anniversary of CHRICED coming up later this year.
Responding, National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, said the NGO focuses on five thematic areas – peace building, good governance, fundamental human rights, justice, as well as environmental sustainability, and uses conferences, seminars, rallies, symposia, workshops, town hall meetings or people’s parliaments, as well as educational research as advocacy strategies.
Comrade Mulade said CEPEJ is committed to community development and other humanitarian activities, and works with Government, parastatals, professionals, other NGOs and stakeholders at both national and international levels.
The CEPEJ Boss also revealed that the NGO had organized national conferences in Nigeria and other countries in Africa, mobilized experts on peacebuilding, human rights, environment and security to speak as resource persons. He cited the conference held at the Koffi Annan International Peacekeepig Training Centre, Accra, Ghana as an example.
The ceremony featured the exchange of pleasantries and a group photograph between the CEPEJ and CHRICED teams.
