Benue, SFCG sign MoU to implement Rapid Response for Peace Initiative

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Search for Common Ground (SFCG), a non-governmental organisation, to enable the implementation of the Rapid Response for Peace (R2forPeace) Initiative.
The 24-month project, supported by the Spirit of America Foundation, will be implemented in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba states to ensure immediate protection and early warning support to violence-affected communities.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Makurdi, Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Deborah Aber, said the event reflected his administration’s shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in the promotion of peace, stability and sustainable development across the state.
Governor Alia noted that Benue State recognises that lasting development can only thrive in an environment of peace and social cohesion. He explained that while Benue is blessed with immense agricultural potential and a resilient population, the government is also mindful of the complex social and security challenges that occasionally affect communities.
He said addressing these challenges requires deliberate partnerships with organisations that bring global experience and tested peacebuilding approaches, noting that Search for Common Ground is widely respected for its work in conflict transformation, dialogue facilitation and community-based peacebuilding initiatives across many parts of the world.
He added: “Their emphasis on constructive engagement, inclusion and collaboration aligns strongly with the priorities of the Benue State Government. One of the immediate areas of cooperation under this partnership is the Rapid Response for Peace Initiative, which aims to strengthen the capacity of communities and institutions to respond quickly and constructively to emerging tensions and conflicts.
“Through early engagement, dialogue and preventive interventions, this initiative will support ongoing efforts to sustain peace and stability in our communities.”
Governor Alia emphasised that the Memorandum of Understanding being signed was not limited to a single programme or intervention.
“The Memorandum of Understanding we are signing today establishes a broader framework for collaboration between the Benue State Government and Search for Common Ground over the duration stipulated in the agreement.
“Through this framework, both parties will have the opportunity to explore and implement a range of initiatives that support peacebuilding, community resilience, social cohesion, governance strengthening and other development programmes that contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the people of Benue State,” he said.
The governor expressed the state government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for development partners to operate effectively.
“Through the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), the government continues to strengthen coordination with bilateral and multilateral partners, international organisations and development institutions to ensure that partnerships are strategic, well-coordinated and impactful,” he said.
He added that peace remains the foundation upon which all meaningful development is built.
“Without peace, communities cannot thrive, investments cannot flourish and the aspirations of our people cannot be fully realised. It is therefore our collective responsibility to continue strengthening partnerships that promote dialogue, stability and inclusive development.
“As we sign this Memorandum of Understanding today, we do so with a clear sense of purpose and optimism. We believe that this partnership with Search for Common Ground will support the ongoing efforts of the Benue State Government to promote sustainable peace while opening additional opportunities for collaborative development initiatives in our state,” he said.
Also speaking during the ceremony, the Africa Director of Search for Common Ground, Raj Mulmi, expressed delight over the development and assured of the organisation’s readiness to play its role in ensuring that the initiative achieves its set goals and objectives.
Presenting an overview of the Rapid Response for Peace Initiative, the Project Manager, Williams Ubimago, said the initiative is aimed at improving multi-stakeholder Early Warning Early Response (EWER) coordination mechanisms and strengthening trust in government-led conflict response for rapid response to conflict triggers in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba states.
According to Ubimago, at the end of the project’s implementation, improved early warning and response systems would be entrenched, with clear conflict alerts leading to better collaboration and increased trust between communities and government authorities.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director-General of the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Dr Leo-Angelo Viashima, assured that the MoU was thoroughly reviewed through a high level of scrutiny. He added that the state government has no financial commitment towards the implementation of the initiative.
He further stated that the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation (BSCPR) will coordinate the implementation process.
In Benue State, the Rapid Response for Peace Initiative will be implemented in Udei, Umenger and Yelewata communities in Guma Local Government Area (LGA), as well as Abeda and Anyiin communities in Logo LGA.
The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. James Yangien Ornguga; the Director-General of BSCPR, Josephine Habba; and other key government functionaries.