NEDC begins programme on deradicalisation of extremists, peace

Supports Bauchi in cholera prevention, trains youths on ICT

North-East Development Commission (NEDC), in partnership with some media outfits, has commenced an enlightenment programme to promote peace, inter-religious dialogue and de-radicalisation for peaceful coexistence among the residents of the region.

At the graduation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) trainees in Bauchi, yesterday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), Mohammed Alkali, said NEDC was reaching out to sensitise the public, particularly youths, on the dangers of extremism and radicalisation.

He disclosed the efforts being made to prevent “the most at-risk individuals from being radicalised and appeal to their conscience,” adding that the programme would emphasise on moderation and peaceful co-existence in the society.

According to him, the commission is increasing awareness on religious extremism and ways to recognise signs of extremism and skills to adequately identify its effect.

NEDC is working to increase knowledge of and respect for peaceful coexistence in the community, he said.

ALSO, the commission revealed that 20,000 cartons of drugs and medical consumables have been given to the state government to prevent the outbreak of cholera.

Bauchi, according to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in 2021, recorded over 2,000 cases while over 60 persons lost their lives.

The commission also said that 580 persons have been trained in the NEDC ICT Training Programme in Bauchi for Batches A, B and C. He said: “In line with NEDC’s strategic plan to improve access to Information Technology (IT) in the North East, the commission went ahead to establish ICT resource training centres in each of the six states of the North East, hosted in tertiary institutions in the states.”

“The overall objective is to improve access to ICT resources within the region and equip the teeming youths (including those out-of-school) across the region with the necessary vocational and educational skills and tools that can make them self-reliant. It is a highly intensive hands-on programme that takes the select participants through specialised training in graphic design and smartphone repairs, including basic entrepreneurship development, computer appreciation and bookkeeping for small businesses,” he said.