Press release 15 (Nigeria)
As active members of the Truth Alliance, a joint statement released on July 21, 2024, Hope and Awareness Foundation and XPeace Associates have announced their continued efforts in countering violent extremism.
According to their statement these organizations have implemented various initiatives to expose the deceptive tactics of violent extremist groups and empower communities to resist these threats.
Since joining the Truth Alliance in 2023, the Hope and Awareness Foundation stated that they have significantly bolstered their expertise in combating extremism through strategic communication, grassroots community engagement, and impactful initiatives.
“The foundation has participated in vital training workshops organized by Al Hedayah and Neem Institute, which equipped their staff with essential skills to support families affected by extremism and violence.” The statement reads.
The statement further mentioned that the Hope and Awareness Foundation has conducted step-down training sessions from the truth alliance to disseminate lessons learned from their experiences on exposing the tactics used by violent extremist organizations, enabling young people to identify and resist extremist propaganda.
“We believe in the power of collaboration, strategic communication, and grassroots engagement to create a safer, more peaceful society, and the foundation has leveraged social media to launch campaigns aimed at promoting peace and resilience within at-risk communities.” stated Mamman Nur Abubakar, Program Manager and focal person to Truth Alliance for Hope and Awareness Foundation.
“Our comprehensive efforts are dedicated to unveiling the deceptive tactics of violent extremist organizations and empowering communities to counter these threats.” He stated.
XPeace Associates, an innovation center and youth-led organization dedicated to transforming peace and security efforts through innovative solutions and community engagement also a dedicated member of the Truth Alliance, has called on young people to embrace peace and increase their active participation in the peace process.
On their part of the statement, they recognized the critical role that youth play in driving change.
“XPeace associates leverages on creativity, energy, and local insights to address complex security challenges through innovative solutions and community engagement and as such we draw the attention of young People to be mindful of the messages they consume on the internet”. The statement reads.
According to their statement, the organization became member of the Alliance as it is part of their vision to bridge the gap between donors, implementing organizations, and target communities, fostering the ownership of peace and security efforts by those most affected.
“Terrorist organizations use financial gains that are not even sustainable to lure young people, especially the unemployed, into their ranks, which is a disaster for them and society,”. Fatima Mafi emphasized, project manager from XPeace Associates.
“We urge youth to be vigilant, wary of false promises, and resist the manipulative tactics of terrorist groups. By standing together, helping each other, going to school, finding jobs and participating in peace initiatives. we believe that youth can help build resilient communities resistant to violence and extremism.” She said.
The joint release states, “Through our membership in the Truth Alliance, Hope and Awareness Foundation, XPeace Associates and others remains dedicated to the mission of exposing and countering the tactics of violent extremist organizations.
Both organizations call on all stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, to support in resources, oppotunities and collaborate with the youth to empower them for a safer and more peaceful society.
Ahmed Mustapha
Spokesperson
The Truth Alliance
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
● https://truthalliance.africa/reach-us/
● info@truthalliance.org.ng
