IQRAA, LEAP Africa, and NYFF Launch Path to Peace Project in Zamfara State

This blog post details the launch of the “Path to Peace” project in Zamfara State, an initiative by IQRAA Foundation aimed at fostering sustainable peace and conflict resolution.

On June 8, 2024, IQRAA Humanitarian and Charity Foundation, Leap Africa and Nigeria Youth Futures Fund launches Path to Peace Project in Zamfara State. The event was hosted at IQRAA’s conference room in Gusau, Zamfara State. This initiative is aimed at fostering sustainable peace and conflict resolution in Zamfara State.

CEO’s Inspiring Launch Statement at the Event

Umar Mahmud Umar, the CEO of IQRAA Foundation, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the event. His words resonated with hope and commitment towards building a more peaceful and united community.

Here are the key highlights from his powerful speech.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with immense pride and hope that I stand before you today to launch the “Path to Peace” project. At IQRAA Foundation, we believe that peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, equality, and opportunity for all.

Our journey towards peace begins with understanding, empathy, and a commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue and cooperation. The “Path to Peace” project is a testament to our dedication to these principles.

Project Goals and Vision

The “Path to Peace” project aims to:

• Empower Communities: Through capacity-building workshops, the project will equip community leaders, youth organizations, women’s groups, elder’s forums, and farmers’ associations with the skills and knowledge to resolve conflicts peacefully.
• Promote Dialogue and Reintegration: To facilitate dialogue forums that bring together host communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees, encouraging mutual understanding and collaboration.
• Support Local Initiatives: To encourage and support local peacebuilding initiatives, ensuring that all efforts are community-driven and sustainable.

Empower Communities

• Capacity-Building Workshops: These workshops are designed to provide community leaders with the tools they need to mediate conflicts and promote peace within their communities.
• Youth Engagement: Special focus will be given to youth organizations, recognizing the vital role that young people play in shaping the future.
• Women’s Empowerment: Women’s groups will be empowered to lead peace initiatives, leveraging their unique perspectives and strengths.

Promote Dialogue and Reintegration

• Dialogue Forums: These forums will serve as platforms for open communication, helping to bridge the gap between different community groups.
• Mutual Understanding: By fostering conversations between host communities and displaced individuals, “Path to Peace” aims to build trust and understanding.
• Collaborative Efforts: To encourage collaboration on community projects that bring together diverse groups, promoting unity and cooperation.

Support Local Initiatives

• Community-Driven Projects: To support projects initiated by local groups that aim to build peace and resolve conflicts.
• Sustainability Focus: Ensuring that initiatives are sustainable and continue to benefit communities long after the project’s initial phase.
• Encouragement and Resources: Providing the necessary resources and encouragement to local leaders to take charge of peacebuilding efforts.

Why This Project Matters

Zamfara State, like many regions, has experienced its share of conflicts and challenges. However, IQRAA foundation and it’s partners firmly believe that with the right tools and support, our communities can rise above these challenges and build a future rooted in peace and cooperation.

Engaging Directly with Communities

• Listening to Affected Individuals: By engaging directly with those most affected by conflict, Path to Peace aims to create an environment where every individual feels heard, valued, and empowered to contribute to the peace process.
• Building Trust and Hope: Establishing trust and hope within communities is crucial for long-term peace.
• Empowerment and Collaboration: Empowering individuals to collaborate on peace initiatives will lead to more resilient and harmonious communities.

Acknowledgements

During the launch of the “Path to Peace” project, CEO Umar Mahmud Umar expressed profound gratitude for the support that made this initiative possible. He acknowledged the critical contributions of:

• LEAP Africa: For their tireless support and dedication to youth empowerment and peacebuilding.
• Nigerian Youth Future Fund: For believing in IQRAA’s vision and providing the resources necessary to make it a reality.
• IQRAA Foundation Team: For their tireless efforts and commitment to the cause.
• Community Leaders: For the invaluable support and partnership in the journey so far.

Call to Action

Umar Mahmud also made a call to the general public to be part of this hope restoring project. He continued by saying:

As we embark on this path to peace, I urge all stakeholders, community members, and partners to join us in this noble endeavor. Together, we can create a ripple effect that will transform not just our communities, but the entire nation.

Join Us in Our Mission

• Stakeholders: We call upon all stakeholders to support and participate in our peacebuilding efforts.
• Community Members: Your involvement and commitment are crucial to the success of this initiative.
• Partners: We look forward to continued collaboration with our partners to achieve our shared goals.

Be Ambassadors of Peace

• Advocate for Dialogue: Promote open communication and understanding in your communities.
• Champion Harmony: Lead by example and advocate for a brighter, more harmonious future.

In conclusion, the launch of the “Path to Peace” project is a significant step towards achieving lasting peace in Zamfara State. This initiative, supported by LEAP Africa and the Nigerian Youth Future Fund, aims to empower communities, promote dialogue and reintegration, and support local peacebuilding efforts.

About IQRAA Foundation

Founded in 2016, the IQRAA Foundation is dedicated to promoting peace, education, and community development. Through a variety of initiatives, the foundation aims to create opportunities and empower individuals to build better futures for themselves and their communities.

Committed to fostering justice, equality, and opportunity for all, IQRAA Foundation continues to be an icon of hope and progress in regions facing conflict and educational challenges, specifically Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kano states.