The Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme has wrapped up a four-day capacity-building initiative in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

The training, which initially targeted senior ministry officials and later journalists and editors nationwide, focused on equipping participants with the tools to communicate more effectively about complex livestock sector reforms.

According to a statement in Abuja, the initiative seeks to foster trust, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence between farming and pastoral communities in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, underscored the importance of communication in advancing reforms.

“The plans, programmes, and activities of the ministry need to be communicated in a manner that ensures correct and adequate understanding of the objectives and rationale for our policies and interventions,” he said.

He added that the workshop was designed to master the art of communication that builds trust, fosters collaboration, and creates a peaceful environment for innovation and productivity in the livestock sector.

Representing the UK Government, Conflict Adviser at FCDO, Pirmah Rimdans, commended the ministry’s commitment.

“We agree wholeheartedly with the experts who say that pillar six on peacebuilding, security and social cohesion should be the bedrock and priority of this growth agenda. This workshop shows the ministry’s commitment to making that principle a reality, and we are proud to support it,” she stated.

The team Leader for SPRiNG, Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, highlighted the importance of conflict-sensitive communication in reform processes.

“Sometimes we set out to do good things, but without conflict-sensitive communication, even well-intentioned reforms can attract unexpected negative reactions leading to unintended consequences,” he said.

The sessions, led by Prof Umaru Pate, Dr Arthur Martins Aginam, and Ms Zigwai Ayuba, combined case studies, role-plays, and action planning to develop concrete strategies. 

Ministry officials also created institutional plans to integrate conflict sensitivity into their daily work, while journalists explored solutions journalism approaches to livestock coverage.

The initiative is part of SPRiNG’s broader mission to address the root causes of violent conflict in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions. 

Through inclusive governance, institutional strengthening, and communication that unites rather than divides, the four-year UK-funded programme (2024–2028) aims to enhance institutional capacity for conflict management, build public trust, and create greater incentives for peace.

Source: This Day

Image Credit: Punch