The Gombe State branch of the Partnership Against Violent Extremism on Saturday called on traditional institutions to actively support community-based efforts aimed at countering violent extremism in the state.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the advocacy visit had the support of ActionAid, and was promoted by Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund.
Our correspondent gathered that the appeal was made during an advocacy visit to the Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Mohammed Saleh, in Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Saleh was represented by District Head of Kaltungo, Ahmadu Ibrahim.
The PAVE delegation led by Gombe State Coordinator; Haruna Albarka, explained that the visit was part of a broader campaign to mobilise community support for the prevention and countering of violent extremism through traditional leadership engagement.
Speaking during the visit, Albarka highlighted the pivotal role traditional rulers play in shaping community values, resolving conflict, and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We recognise the indispensable role traditional leaders play in fostering peace and unity at the community level,” Albarka said. “We are here today to seek your guidance and support in amplifying messages of peace and tolerance to our people.”
PAVE, which was formally registered in 2018 as an Incorporated Trustee under the name Association Against Violent Extremism, traces its origins back to 2014 following a meeting convened by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The meeting brought together over 40 civil society organisations, alongside international partners such as the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and the International Center for Counter-Terrorism. It was at this meeting that the name “Partnership Against Violent Extremism” was adopted.
The group explained that its current advocacy drive is focused on four key areas: the role of traditional rulers in preventing conflict, the need for grassroots awareness campaigns, promoting intergenerational dialogue and cultural education to dissuade youth from radicalisation, and strengthening collaboration between stakeholders on PCVE matters.
“Your voice carries weight,” the team told the monarch. “When traditional leaders speak, people listen. We believe your leadership can significantly influence policies and community behaviour toward peacebuilding.”
PAVE has also identified five local civil society organisations as core implementing partners in its Gombe State programme. These are Women Peace and Mediation Network, Advocate for Development and Sustainability, Lawanti Community Development Foundation, MAFAKA Sustainable Development Initiative, and Concerned Minds for Health and Community Initiative.
According to PAVE, these groups are actively involved in various peacebuilding and awareness programmes across the state but require deeper support from traditional institutions to strengthen their impact.
Present at the advocacy meeting were all the Village Heads of Kaltungo, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), forming a strong and symbolic reception team.
The monarch expressed the maidom’s joy at receiving the delegation and commended the purpose of the visit, which focuses on a collective community-based approach to Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) in Gombe State.
He acknowledged the importance of the initiative, emphasising that peacebuilding requires the active involvement of all stakeholders. He called on politicians, religious leaders, and parents to consistently promote the values of peace and unity within the community.
The Mai further recognised the caliber of individuals in the PAVE Gombe Network, specifically mentioning Hajiya Halima Ahmed Mahdi, Mrs Zainab Akawu, and Malam Idris Lawanti—individuals known for their commendable and consistent contributions to community development. He noted that with such dedicated members, the PAVE Gombe initiative holds great promise.
Saleh assured the delegation that the Kaltungo maidom is always open and willing to support the PAVE Network—anytime, any day, and in any capacity necessary—to achieve lasting peace in the community.
Recall that PAVE Gombe had conducted similar advocacy visits to Nigeria Correctional Service and Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs where the group secured supports to combat extremism.
