Wednesday, February 14, 2024
By Grace Chigbu
Abuja– Vice-President Kashim Shettima has taken a significant step towards fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s promise of improving the lives of Nigerians by inaugurating a steering committee to coordinate and expedite the implementation of the Pulaku Initiative.
The Pulako Initiative, a national commitment to address threats fueling distrust and conflicts within communities across Nigeria, has been long awaited by citizens grappling with the consequences of insecurity. In a bid to confront these challenges head-on, Vice-President Shettima unveiled the committee during a ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday.
Heading the committee is Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, while governors from participating states will serve as members. Additionally, key stakeholders including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, representatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Bureau of Public Procurement, as well as prominent business entities such as the BUA Group and Dangote Group, will play integral roles in the initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-President Shettima emphasized the urgency of the project, describing it as an imperative response to challenges threatening Nigeria’s social fabric. He underscored the initiative’s holistic approach towards sustainable development and improving the lives of all citizens.
“This initiative will address a challenge that has persisted across various generations and demands our collective resolve, our optimum sense of justice and our unconditional compassion. This is not merely a response, it is a call to action,” Vice-President Shettima remarked.
Governors present at the inauguration expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential impact on their respective states. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State highlighted the program’s focus on constructing essential infrastructure such as houses, schools, and hospitals, aimed at supporting vulnerable populations affected by insecurity.
Echoing Governor Sani’s sentiments, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State praised the Pulaku Initiative as a commendable non-kinetic approach to addressing the root causes of insecurity. He stressed the importance of employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to effectively tackle the multifaceted challenges facing the nation.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State commended the Federal Government’s commitment to peace and prosperity, noting the initiative’s potential to boost investment in agriculture, a crucial sector for economic development and stability.
The Pulaku Initiative will initially focus on seven states disproportionately affected by farmers-herders conflicts, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna states.
With the inauguration of the steering committee, expectations are high for tangible progress in addressing the underlying causes of insecurity and fostering sustainable development across Nigeria.
The launch of the Pulaku Initiative signifies a significant milestone in the nation’s quest for peace, prosperity, and social cohesion, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing challenges facing the country.
