Musa Na-Allah, Sokoto
Experts and stakeholders have reaffirmed that lasting peace and justice in Northwest Nigeria can only be achieved through the active inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups in peacebuilding and governance processes.
This position was strongly emphasized on Thursday during a High-Level Town Hall Meeting organized by Global Rights in Sokoto, with the theme: “Strengthening Pathways to Inclusive Peacebuilding Processes and Expanding Access to Justice for Marginalized Groups in Northwest Nigeria.”
The event, now in the third phase of Global Rights’ ongoing initiative, aims to promote justice, social cohesion, and democratic values across the conflict-affected region.
It brought together community leaders, women and youth representatives, civil society organizations, security agencies, and traditional authorities to foster collaboration and strengthen local mechanisms for peace.
Executive Director of Rebuilding Hope on Wheels Initiative, Amina Audu, stressed the importance of intentional inclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly women and persons with disabilities, in peace and justice efforts.
“No community can enjoy lasting peace when key voices are silenced or excluded,” she said. “True justice and stability thrive only when everyone is heard and valued.”
A panel comprising representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Legal Aid Council, the Ministry of Justice, and the Community Development Council (CDC) discussed practical solutions to improve justice delivery, enhance accountability, and rebuild citizens’ trust in state institutions.
The panelists agreed that sustainable peace requires strong collaboration between citizens, traditional leaders, and security agencies.
In his goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the District Head of Gagi, Sani Umar Jabbi, commended Global Rights and The Kukah Centre for their ongoing efforts in promoting peace, dialogue, and inclusive development in the region.
He reiterated the Sultanate’s commitment to supporting organisations working to advance peace and community welfare, noting that women’s involvement in peacebuilding has already contributed significantly to conflict prevention and local stability.
The town hall concluded with participants resolving to intensify inclusive dialogue, strengthen access to justice, and empower women and marginalized groups as key agents of peace and security in Northwest Nigeria.
