FG to support communities, farmers affected by insecurity through AgriShield campaign

By Benjamin Samson
Abuja

The federal government has reinstated its commitment to partner with relevant stakeholders to support communities affected by insecurity to access their sources of livelihood through strategic communication.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre -Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, stated this Thursday in Abuja during an Inter-agency Stakeholders Coordination Roundtable on the AgriShield Strategic Communication Campaign.

Represented by Director policy and strategy NCTC Commodore Rafiu Tai Oladejo, he said the initiative, jointly organised with Tag International aims to strengthen public confidence, support safe access to livelihoods, and reinforce food security, beginning with the pilot phase in Borno state.

“As we all are aware, Borno State has endured years of terrorism and violent extremism, but its people have continued to show courage and resilience.

“Like I have always said, Borno is my second home. I had the privilege of serving and commanding both a Battalion and a Brigade in the State during the height of the Boko Haram crisis, and I understand, from close experience, the sacrifices, fears and determination of its people.
“Many families are returning to their livelihoods, and farmers are making the effort to return to the land despite legitimate security concerns,” he said.

He noted that the purpose of the campaign is to support that confidence with clear, credible and timely communication.

Laka stated that the Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies remain committed to protecting communities, assuring farmers in conflict prone areas that are not alone.

He however, said security efforts must be supported by trust, cooperation and responsible communication between institutions and the people.
The National Coordinator said the collaboration between the National Counter Terrorism Centre and the Network of Civil Society Organisations Borno State would provide a practical platform to listen to communities, address concerns, counter misinformation and strengthen trust.

“AgriShield must be practical. It must speak in the languages our people understand, through the channels they trust, and with messages that reflect their realities.

“Radio programmes in Hausa and Kanuri, town hall engagements, and local voices from farmers, communities and frontline officers will be central to this effort,” he said.
Also speaking, special adviser on strategic communication and civil society liaison to the NSA, Dr . Chido Onumah, expressed happiness that the initiative has become a reality, noting that the source of livelihood of Nigerians should be regarded as national security issue.
” We can’t underestimate the livelihood of our people, which is a serious national security concern, whether it’s in terms of those who produce the food or those who transport them or those who will eventually consume them,” he said.

“We look forward to a robust conversation in terms of how the implementation of this programme will go.
“We welcome your ideas and inputs to sharpen and strengthen the success of this story.

“We’re open with new ideas that are not already part of the programme,” he said.

The important thing is that we are all in this together and let’s work closely to ensure we have a very successful program.