FIC Report (Abia State) – The Federal Government of Nigeria’s drive to entrench positive peace and curb community violence has gained renewed momentum in Abia State with the formal launch and domestication of the National Community Violence Reduction Programme (NCVRP).
Speaking at the Government House, Umuahia, during the official declaration of the programme in the state, Governor Alex Otti reassured Abians that no part of the state would be ceded to criminal elements, maintaining that Abia remains peaceful and secure.
Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, the Governor emphasized that security has remained a top priority since the inception of his administration. He stressed that relative peace is indispensable for meaningful development, noting that Nigeria’s complex security challenges demand innovative, people-centred and collaborative approaches.
The National Community Violence Reduction Programme is a flagship federal initiative spearheaded by the National Counter Terrorism Centre in partnership with Gray Child Foundation and the Rotary Action Group for Peace.
It was officially launched on August 13, 2025, as a comprehensive human security initiative aimed at tackling the root causes of violence across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The NCVRP adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, mobilising key stakeholders to address the full spectrum of violence, ranging from terrorism, insurgency and banditry to organised crime, radicalism, ethno-religious conflicts and social unrest. The programme targets vulnerable and at-risk groups including women, youth, children, persons living with disabilities, the elderly and victims of violence.
Governor Otti commended Rotary for its unrelenting humanitarian service and commitment to peacebuilding, describing the initiative as noble and timely. He reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to collaborate with federal authorities and development partners to ensure the success of the programme in Abia.
Earlier, the Abia State Coordinator of the Rotary Action Group for Peace, Sunny Megwara, underscored the critical link between peace and development.
He explained that the NCVRP is designed to dismantle the push and pull factors of violence by strengthening communities, promoting resilience and preventing conditions that breed extremism and conflict.
Among its key objectives, the programme seeks to enhance community resilience by equipping citizens with tools, knowledge and resources to resist violence and extremist agendas. It also promotes social cohesion by bridging divides across ethnic, religious and social lines, fostering tolerance and mutual respect.
The initiative further aims to strengthen local governance and law enforcement through capacity building, improved security awareness, and enhanced collaboration between community structures and mainstream security agencies. It provides support for vulnerable groups and victims of violence through psychosocial services, medical aid, empowerment programmes and social reintegration schemes. Additionally, it advocates the development of context-specific peace and security policies at local, sub-national and national levels.
Rotary representatives noted that February, being Rotary’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, aligns strategically with the programme’s objectives. With Rotary members present across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, the organisation pledged sustained collaboration to address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of violence.
The domestication of the NCVRP in Abia marks a significant step in advancing the Federal Government’s vision of activating positive peace nationwide—anchored on collective responsibility, strategic partnerships and community-driven solutions.
As stakeholders reaffirmed, lasting peace is achievable when government, civil society and citizens unite in shared commitment to security, development and national stability.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC Umuahia Abia State.
Febuary 24,2026.
