BUILSA SOUTH YOUTH ADMONISHED TO JOIN THE FIGHT IN PREVENTING AND COMBATING VIOLENT EXTREMISM

The Builsa South District office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has held a youth engagement meeting on Preventing and Combating Violent Extremism (PCVE), at the Builsa South District Assembly Hall in Fumbisi. The European Union-sponsored youth engagement brought together the District Chief Executive Officer, the Paga Immigration Service, and the Parish Priest of SS Peter & Paul Parish as resource persons.

Participants were a cross-section of the youth in the district, comprising the leaders and representatives of Islamic and Christian communities, Youth Parliament, National Identification Authority (NIA), Builsa Student Development Association (BSDA), GPRTU, Artisans, etc. It brought together youth in both the formal and informal sectors.

The Builsa South District Director of the NCCE, Ms. Caroline Aliko, welcomed participants whilst reiterating the importance of the engagement and acknowledging the European Union’s support. She added that this was in line with the broader goal of PCVE, which is to prevent and contain violent extremism by identifying early warning signals of extremist activities in our communities. Therefore, calling on full participation.

The NCCE district director emphasized the role of the youth to be crusaders for peace and to quickly report any suspected persons in our communities to law enforcement agencies to avoid any tension created by violent extremism.

Assistant Superintendent of Immigration, Mr. Robert Ubindam highlighted the importance of community surveillance and watching by both community members and security agencies. He encouraged citizens to make use of the hotline 999 and report any suspicious acts or characters to the security agencies.

The District Chief Executive; Mr.Daniel K. Gariba, supported the call to be all-inclusive in the Preventing and Combating Violent Extremism campaign. He pledged the assembly’s support and commitment to the fight against violent extremism.

Rev. Fr. Michael Ochera; Parish Priest of SS Peter and Paul Parish in Fumbisi highlighted the importance of the media in building national cohesion with its primary roles to educate, entertain and inform. He encouraged participants to actively raise awareness and promote arts and culture.