The Abia State Government has formally commenced the implementation of the National Community Violence Reduction Programme (NCVRP), a Federal Government-backed initiative aimed at tackling the root causes of violence and strengthening grassroots peacebuilding structures across the state.
The programme, initiated by the Federal Government in partnership with the Gray Child Foundation and the Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP), Nigeria Chapter, is being implemented in Abia by RAGFP in collaboration with the State Government.
Speaking on Monday at an event organised by the Rotary Action Group for Peace, Abia Branch, District 9142, in Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti commended the club for its humanitarian interventions and sustained commitment to promoting peace.
Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Governor described the initiative as noble and timely, stressing that peace and security remained indispensable to development and democratic governance.
Governor Otti who noted that no meaningful progress could be achieved in the absence of security, said the initiative aligns with his administration’s policy direction, particularly its zero-tolerance stance on criminality.
The Governor recalled that upon assumption of office, he declared a state of emergency on security, with a firm resolve that no part of Abia would be ceded to criminal elements.
He said the improved security situation in the state has created a peaceful environment conducive for business and other social activities.
“With the level of security we have achieved, one can comfortably say that Abia is peaceful. That is why this initiative aligns with the policy direction of this administration, and the government is willing to be part of it”, the Governor said.
He assured the club of the State Government’s support to ensure the success of the initiative.
In his remarks, the State Coordinator of the Rotary Action Group for Peace, Abia Branch, District 9142, Mr Sunny Megwara, emphasized that peace remains indispensable to meaningful development and national stability.
Megwara observed that initiatives aimed at promoting peace could never be exhausted, adding that peace is fundamental to every aspect of human endeavour.
He disclosed that the NCVRP was launched in August 2025 as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges through innovative and people-centred approaches.
According to him, the programme was designed to tackle the root causes of violence by strengthening communities, promoting resilience and preventing conditions that breed conflict.
“The NCVRP targets communities across the six geopolitical zones of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with special focus on vulnerable and at-risk groups, including women, youths, children, persons living with disabilities, the elderly and victims of violence”, he said.
Megwara added that the programme is aimed at enhancing community resilience, promoting social cohesion, strengthening local government institutions and law enforcement, as well as supporting existing peace and security frameworks.
He noted that February was significant to Rotary International as it underscored the organisation’s global vision for peace and added that Rotary members were present across the 774 local government areas of Nigeria, providing humanitarian services such as access to clean water, healthcare and livelihood support.
He stated that Rotary’s involvement in the programme reflected its commitment not only to responding to the symptoms of violence but also to addressing its root causes.
“Peace is intentional and cannot be isolated. It begins with you and me. We cannot give what we do not have”, Megwara said.
Also speaking, a former Assistant Governor of the Rotary club, Mrs Chinedu Brown, urged residents to embrace the principles of positive peace as part of efforts to strengthen peacebuilding and conflict prevention in the state.
Brown explained that the programme seeks to ensure that both Rotarians and non-Rotarians understand the concept of positive peace, which goes beyond the mere absence of war.
She noted that the nationwide launch of the initiative is being domesticated in Abia to encourage collective ownership and participation.
Brown further explained that Rotary International operates through seven areas of focus, including health, economic development, and maternal and child care, all aimed at addressing conditions that could undermine peace.
She recalled Rotary’s longstanding partnership in the global fight against polio, describing it as a testament to the organisation’s humanitarian commitment.
Brown added that membership of the Rotary Action Group for Peace was open to both Rotarians and non-Rotarians and urged residents to join the campaign as “all hands must be on deck”.
She expressed appreciation to participants for their support and encouraged sustained commitment to promoting peace in the state.
