To enhance community resilience and conflict prevention, the Federal Capital Territory Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has taken a proactive step by inaugurating Early Warning Early Response (EWER) Committees in communities where ACReSAL investments are situated in the FCT.

At the inauguration event held in Wako, Sheda, Ike, Tekpese and Pukafa Communities the Project Coordinator of the FCT ACReSAL Project, Mrs. Caroline Opara, who was represented by Mr. Olalekan Ifelola, the Project Natural Resource Officer, highlighted the significance of the EWER committees.

She emphasized that the committees are strategically designed to identify potential threats that could undermine the huge investment that have been made by the project.

In the words of Mrs. Opara “The establishment of the EWER committees is a proactive approach that the Project has adopted to prevent conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence. Our goal is to ensure that our investments not only stand the test of time but also enable the communities to fully benefit from our interventions.”

She informed the gathering that members of the committees will be responsible for monitoring project activities, early identification of potential conflicts or issues, collaborating with community members to resolve conflicts and reporting to the ACReSAL to the ACReSAL Project Office on community concerns and suggestions. ” With the committees now in place, the ACReSAL Project looks forward to fostering a more resilient and peaceful community, ensuring that the investments bring lasting benefits to the FCT. Opara said.

Mrs. Opara encouraged committee members to be vigilant in their respective communities to identify any incidents that might pose a threat to the well-being of the community and the project’s success. “As you are aware, our doors at the project are always open. It is crucial for you to report any suspected situations immediately so that we can take swift action to resolve them before they escalate,” she said.

The Etsu of Pukafa, Timothy Daudu, who spoke on behalf of the communities, assured the Project team of their commitment to upholding their responsibilities. “We are committed to working with the ACReSAL project to ensure the success of this initiative. Our members understand the importance of preventing conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence and we are willing and ready to work towards achieving this objective,” he said.