The Abia Government, on Monday, launched the National Community Violence Reduction Programme (NCVRP) initiative, affirming its commitment to sustaining security and peaceful coexistence across the state.
Speaking at the event organised by the Rotary Action Group For Peace (RAGFP), Abia Branch, District 9142, Gov. Alex Otti commended the club for its humanitarian interventions and consistent efforts toward promoting peace.
The programme, which is a Federal Government’s initiative, in partnership with Gray Child Foundation and RAGFP, Nigeria Chapter, is being implemented in the state by RAGFP, in collaboration with Abia Government.
The governor, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Njoku Ukoha, described the initiative as noble and timely.
He said that peace and security remain indispensable to development and democratic governance, adding that no meaningful progress could be achieved in the absence of security.
He said that the initiative aligned with his administration’s policy direction, particularly its zero-tolerance stance on criminality.
He recalled that on assumption of office, he declared a state of emergency on security, with a firm resolve that no part of Abia would be ceded to criminal elements.
Otti said the improved security situation in the state had created a peaceful environment conducive to business and social activities.
“With the level of security we have achieved, one can comfortably say that Abia is peaceful.
“That is why this initiative aligns with the policy direction of this administration, and the government is willing to be part of it,” he said.
Otti assured the club of the State Government’s support to ensure the success of the initiative in the state.
In a speech, the State Coordinator of the RAGFP, Abia Branch, District 9142, Mr Sunny Megwara, said peace remains indispensable to meaningful development and national stability.
Megwara said that the initiative, aimed at promoting peace, could never be exhausted, as peace is fundamental to every aspect of human endeavour.
“I do not think any programme or initiative that has to do with peace would ever be enough.
“Peace is essential to everything we do because without peace, there can be no meaningful development,” he said.
He said that the NCVRP was launched in Aug. 2025 as part of the efforts to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges, through innovative and people-centred approaches.
Megwara said that the programme was designed to tackle the root causes of violence by strengthening communities, promoting resilience and preventing conditions that breed conflict.
“The NCVRP targets communities across the six geopolitical zones of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The programme specially focuses on vulnerable and at-risk groups, including women, youths, children, persons living with disabilities, the elderly and victims of violence,” he said.
He also said that the programme aimed at enhancing community resilience, promoting social cohesion, strengthening local government institutions and law enforcement, as well as supporting existing peace and security frameworks.
Megwara said that February was significant to Rotary International as it underscored the organisation’s global vision for peace.
He said that Rotary members were present across the 774 local government areas of Nigeria, providing humanitarian services, such as access to clean water, healthcare and livelihood support.
He said that Rotary’s involvement in the programme reflected its commitment to not only responding to the symptoms of violence but also addressing its root causes.
He said that the group would continue to foster collective and strategic partnerships with stakeholders, community leaders and residents to promote positive peace.
“Peace is intentional and cannot be isolated. It begins with you and me. We cannot give what we do not have,” Megwara said.
Also, a former Assistant Governor of Rotary, Mrs Chinedu Brown, urged residents to embrace the principles of positive peace as part of efforts to strengthen peace building and conflict prevention in the state.
Brown said that the programme was aimed at ensuring that both Rotarians and non-Rotarians understood the concept of positive peace, which goes beyond the mere absence of war.
She said that positive peace encompasses good governance, good neighbourliness, free flow of communication, equitable distribution of resources and other social conditions that promote stability and development.
“There is a distinction between peace as the absence of war and positive peace, which involves governance, justice, communication and fairness in the distribution of resources.
“Peace building and conflict prevention do not reside with Rotarians alone.
“It is everybody’s responsibility because peace begins with the individual,” Brown said.
She also said the nationwide launch of the initiative was being domesticated in Abia to encourage collective ownership and participation.
She said that Rotary International operated through seven areas of focus, including health, economic development and maternal and child care, all of which are geared towards addressing conditions that could undermine peace.
She recalled Rotary’s longstanding partnership in the global fight against polio, describing it as a testament to the organisation’s humanitarian commitment.
Brown said that membership of Rotary Action Group for Peace was open to both Rotarians and Non-Rotarians, urging residents to join the campaign because “all hands must be on deck”.
She also said that February was recognised within Rotary as a month dedicated to peace building and conflict prevention.
Brown thanked participants for their support and encouraged sustained commitment to promoting peace in the state.
