🇳🇬 Seeds of Hope: Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Peace through Reintegration and Agricultural Empowerment

 

At a pivotal security-agriculture dialogue in Abuja, Nigerian authorities joined international partners to chart a new path for peacebuilding and food security in post-conflict regions.

Zig Diaries Defence
Date: Thursday, 7 August 2025
Time: 14:00 WAT
Location: 📍Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre and international partners have renewed support for the rehabilitation of low-risk ex-combatants and climate-smart agriculture initiatives under the “Seeds of Hope” project.

The one-day event, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, brought together security operatives, lawmakers, agricultural experts, and development partners to deepen Nigeria’s efforts on reintegration and community stabilisation in the North-East and other post-conflict zones.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, Major General Adamu Laka described the “Seeds of Hope” initiative as a strategic complement to Nigeria’s counterterrorism and peacebuilding framework.

“The initiative demonstrates our commitment to a whole-of-society approach in addressing violent extremism, rebuilding affected communities, and restoring livelihoods through climate-smart agriculture,” Major General Laka said.

Representing the agricultural science community, Deputy Director General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Dr Abdoulaye Tahiru, stressed the importance of using innovative crop technologies and resilient seed systems to combat food insecurity in stabilised areas.

“Our mission is not only about growing food but about growing peace. Agriculture remains one of the most potent tools in the post-conflict recovery process,” Dr Tahiru explained.

The Chairman, House Committee on Peace Building and Social Cohesion, Engr Sadiq Abbas Tafida pledged stronger parliamentary oversight and budgetary support to sustain the Seeds of Hope intervention.

“We in the National Assembly are fully committed to ensuring these peacebuilding initiatives are scaled and supported with the needed political will and funding,” Tafida noted.

Speaking from a military-led stabilisation perspective, National Coordinator, Operation Safe Haven, Brigadier General Aliyu Ali reiterated the need for comprehensive deradicalisation efforts and community re-entry mechanisms for low-risk ex-combatants.

“It is critical we don't just win battles but also win hearts. The safe return and reintegration of repentant individuals is part of our long-term strategy for enduring peace,” General Ali stressed.

The Chief Coordinator, Seeds of Hope, Captain Palash Kawsher thanked the Nigerian government and partners for their active involvement, while urging continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure impact.

“This project is a seed for tomorrow. Let us nurture it together to bloom into stability and shared prosperity,” Captain Kawsher said.

🏷️ TTags: National Security Adviser, Seeds of Hope, Counter Terrorism, Operation Safe Haven, IITA, Peacebuilding
#SeedsOfHope #NigeriaPeace #PostConflictRecovery #FoodSecurity #Counterterrorism #AgricultureForPeace