Japanese ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi has said Violent extremist crimes, including terrorism, kidnapping, small-weapons smuggling and robbery, are on the rise across West Africa.
The ambassador spoke at the graduation ceremony of the Countering Violent Extremism Course 3/2023 Organized by the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPCK) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja.
The course had participants from other West African countries.
According to him, “Recently, military operations against terrorists have resulted in civilian casualties and serious damage in some cases.
“This project, launched this year, focuses on strengthening the capacity of security authorities and and actors in West African countries to counter violent extremism and protect civilians in armed conflict.
In short, the project will contribute to peace and stability in Nigeria and, by extension, throughout West Africa.
“In order to combat violent extremist crimes that are spreading across West Africa, it is important to have a multi-country partnership, not just a single country.
“I hope that everyone who has participated in this course has not only gained practical knowledge but also built cooperation and trust among participants from other countries.
“In August last year, the Japanese government, together with UNDP, the World Bank and the AUC, hosted the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Tunisia, inviting African heads of state and government.
“Japan pledged to contribute to “realization of sustainable peace and stability” and “strengthening human resource development” in Africa.
This course represents both of these pledges. I am very happy that this course has successfully concluded today.”
He added: “I hope that all of you will return safely to your home countries or states and apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired in this course.
“The Government of Japan, together with other international partners such as UNDP, will continue to contribute to peace and stability in Africa, to the livelihoods of the African people and to economic growth and prosperity.”
Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Muhammed who was represented by Brig.-Gen. ST Audu noted that from the brief he got and the content of the training program, the trained officers have been equipped with all the necessary means of counting violent extremism in a multinational peace support operations.
“It is my belief that the objectives of this course has been fully achieved for receiving the deposit training by all of you. I am sure that the course must have broadened your horizon on the root causes of extremism.
“Different measures put in place to prevent extremism and actions to take for countering violent extremism in our society. Some of these measures include kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
“However, non-kinetic measures is the most prepared measures, which includes awareness campaigns of sensual exploitation and abuse, enlightenment and training of members of the armed forces and other security agencies among others. I think This is why you are all here to benefit from this lecture.
“It is my plea that the lectures, presentations, and interactions you have been exposed to on the course have furnished you all with the necessary knowledge and skills to profess solutions to challenges in countering violent extremism.
“It is hoped that what you have learned here will reflect on your performances and general conduct in your various places of deployment or work and future endeavors.
“Therefore, as you graduate today, you must always remember that so much has been given to you and as such, so much would be expected from you. Please make good use of the knowledge you have gained for the good of humanity.
“Additionally, it has been good having you participate from various departments and agencies for this very important ’cause the Centre is expect. The Centre is expecting that your knowledge would put good use in the near future. On this note, let me especially the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Japan for their support.” He said.
Team Lead, Governance, Peace & Security in UNDP, Mr. Matthew Alao, noted: “We express our sincere appreciation to the Government and peoples of Japan for their continuous support to UNDP programmes in Nigeria and particularly for funding this project. Our deepest gratitude goes to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “His Excellency Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, who is here with us, for his continuous strong partnership and personal interest and attendance in the project events. We wish to remark that this project is one of the several projects executed by the Centre with funding assistance from the Government of Japan and unflinching support from the Japan Embassy, Abuja since 2014.
“We graciously acknowledge that your investment is well targeted. Similarly, we congratulate all the participants for taking part in this course and we wish you the best in your future endeavours.”