* UNDP, Japan collaboration funded 15 projects, spent $28m in 10 years, says Alao

In a move to combat terrorism in West Africa, Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a joint operation at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in Kaduna.

The project titled: “Enhancing MLAILPKC’s Capacities for Effective Peace Support Operations in West Africa Project”, was an introduction of new leadership and national cohesion courses – Comprehensive Protection of Civilians and Countering Violent Extremism.

The organizers stated that the additional courses will help strengthen democracy, national cohesion and peaceful co-existence while safeguarding civilians in armed conflicts across the region.

Speaking earlier at the project launch, Alao expressed profound gratitude to the Japanese government for consistent support, highlighting the project’s significance in curbing terrorism, extremism, and violence in West Africa.

“Over the past decade, Japan, in collaboration with UNDP has invested over $3 million in peace support operations and anti-piracy projects, benefiting approximately 1,000 military and paramilitary officers and civilians across 11 countries”, he said.

Alao also commended MLAILPKC for its meticulous project implementation, despite management changes, expressing confidence in the timely completion of the current project by December 2024.

He commended the government of Japan and the Embassy of Japan, Abuja, for their sturdy partnership with UNDP Nigeria, adding that the government of Japan in collaboration with UNDP Nigeria, has funded over 15 projects with a budget of over $28 million within a decade.

“Nigeria is the only country in Africa that has enjoyed perpetual funding of the PSOs project from the Government of Japan since 2014. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of Japan, Abuja, for its constant support to UNDP Nigeria.”

Alao however noted that the collaboration between Japan, UNDP and MLAILPKC represented a vital step forward in the fight against terrorism in West Africa, promising a more secure and stable future for the region.
Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi also used the occasion to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to support Nigeria’s efforts in creating a safe and secure environment for its citizens.

He emphasized the devastating impact of terrorism in Nigeria and the imperative of peace and security to national development and prosperity.

According to him, “For over a decade, Nigeria has been confronted by insurgency and terrorist attacks, particularly from Boko Haram in the North East. These acts of violence have devastated lives and communities, causing loss of lives and properties, mass displacement and significant economic losses.

“During my visit to Maiduguri on March 10, I witnessed first-hand, the plight of those in the Internally Displaced Persons’ Camp.

“Just recently, the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mrs. Kam Kaowa, concluded her very first visit to Nigeria, where she emphasized the critical importance of peace and security for Nigeria’s continued development and prosperity.”

Assuring that Japan remained firmly committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to create a conducive and peaceful environment for citizens, the Ambassador noted that “one crucial aspect of building a lasting peace is ensuring the active participation of women.”

Adding: “Women are not just victims of conflicts; they are perfect agents for peace. This is precisely the core principle of the Women’s Peace and Security (WPS) agenda which is the top priority for Foreign Minister Kami Kaowa. She even had the opportunity to meet some of the top IDP women leaders primarily from the North- East during her visit and she directly listened to their stories.”

The Commandant of the Peacekeeping Centre, Major General Ademola Taiwo Adedoja, expressed optimism about the Leadership and National Cohesion course, stating that it will equip participants with the skills required to promote inclusive and effective leadership as well as foster national unity and social cohesion.

He also informed that the Comprehensive Protection of Civilians and the Countering Violent Extremism courses respectively, which aimed to enhance peacekeepers’ capacity to protect vulnerable populations and address likely causes of violent extremism were introduced at the most appropriate time.

He commandant the collaborative effort of the Government of Japan towards her capacity development programmes, noting that such strategic partnerships have enabled MLAILPKC to leverage resources, expertise and networks to enhance its impact in peacekeeping and conflict resolution capabilities in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.