Violent extremism: Actionaid budgets $2.5 million for Kogi, Nasarawa

Actionaid Nigeria said it has budgeted $2.5 million for the second phase of its System and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalisation to Violent Extremism (SERVE) project in Kogi and Nasarawa states.

Country Director, Actionaid Nigeria,  Ene Obi, who stated this in Lokoja at the launch of SERVE 2, said the project would last for 33 months and would directly benefit 36,000 men and women, including children and indirect beneficiaries.

Obi, represented by the organisation’s Director of Programmes, Tasallah Chibok, said the Phase 2 project was informed by the need to decrease vulnerability of at-risk young men and women to violent extremism.

She said: “The first phase successfully reached 12,985 youths, 4,230 women and 8,705 men directly with capacity building, sensitisation programmes and socio-economic empowerment.

“SERVE would be implemented in six local councils namely Igalela/Odolu, Ankpa, Adavi, Okehi, Lokoja and Kogi local councils in Kogi State, while in Nasarawa State, Obi, Lafia, Nasarawa-Eggon, Akwanga, Toto and Nasarawa local councils would be reached.”

While unveiling the project, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, commended the organisation for reducing extreme radicalism among youths in the state.