The Federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening peace and social cohesion across Nigeria as it launches a community engagement initiative in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

The initiative, implemented through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central) in collaboration with the International Communities Organisation (ICO), is themed “Building Social Cohesion and Peace in Kogi State.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, said the programme is designed to promote peace, inclusivity, and conflict resolution through the establishment of community-based peace structures across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

“Every issue of insecurity begins in the community, and that is where peace must also be built,” she said. “The North Central region is culturally diverse, and this initiative seeks to harness that diversity as a strength for unity. Our goal is to strengthen local mechanisms for intelligence gathering, early warning, and community dialogue that will sustain peace across the region.”

In her address, Dr. Abiodun expressed appreciation to the Kogi State Governor for his support and commitment to peace and development while acknowledging security agencies for their proactive roles.

She commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their continuous efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the state.

“We thank His Excellency, the Governor of Kogi State, for his commitment to peace and development, and the security agencies for their proactive roles. This collaboration shows that sustaining peace is a shared responsibility,” she noted.

The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State , Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Ayoade Arike, reaffirmed the administration’s zero tolerance for criminality.

“His Excellency is a no-nonsense man who has zero tolerance for criminality,” she said. “Without peace, there can be no progress or development. Kogi is known for peace and development, and it is the responsibility of everyone to maintain that legacy.”

Dr. Ayoade further urged young people to channel their energy into productive ventures, warning against crime as a means of survival.

Also speaking, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), commended the Presidency for initiating a community-driven approach to peacebuilding. He noted that the state remains committed to supporting all efforts that foster security, collaboration, and trust between citizens and security institutions.

“This initiative strengthens the link between the community and security agencies. Lasting peace comes when people feel heard, protected, and engaged,” he remarked.

Commander Omodara also disclosed that two individuals were recently apprehended while attempting to deliver items to bandits in Yagba West Local Government Area, reaffirming the state’s resolve to tackle criminality at all levels. He assured that security agencies would continue to intensify surveillance and intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety of lives and property.

Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, the Ejeh of Dekina, HRM Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Obaje, described Kogi State as a home of peace, attributing the calm to the leadership of the state governor.

He pledged the support of traditional rulers in working with their communities to sustain peace.

“Kogi State is one of the few states where you can sleep with your two eyes closed — it is truly a home of peace, courtesy of the Governor’s leadership, the traditional rulers pledge our full support to work with communities across all 21 Local Government Areas to sustain peace.”

Dr. Abiodun Essiet reiterated that the peace structures being established across the North Central will serve as a bridge between government and the grassroots, and will be replicated across all states in the region.

“Our strength as a nation lies in our ability to live together, respect our differences, and build trust from the bottom up. This is the essence of community engagement,” she said.

The community engagement workshops will continue across the 21 Local Government Areas in kogi State as part of efforts to strengthen local peace mechanisms and promote social cohesion in the region.