Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has declared full alignment with the Federal Government’s and Rotary Club’s peace initiative, affirming that progress would remain a mirage without peace. The governor made the declaration while receiving leaders of the Abia State Chapter, District 9142 of the Rotary International, noting that the Action for Peace initiative domesticated in the state aligns with the declaration of a state of emergency on security at the inception of his administration.

Domesticating the Peace Initiative

The National Community Violence Reduction Programme (NCVRP) is a thorough, people-centred human security initiative that adopts and integrates enhanced approaches and innovative programming to curb community violence across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It uses a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to mobilise and collaborate with key stakeholders to address the spectrum of violence, ranging from terrorism, insurgency, banditry, organised crime and radicalism to ethno-religious conflicts and social restiveness.

The Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) Nigeria Chapter, Abia State Branch, visited to launch and domesticate the NCVRP, an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Governor Otti noted that the peace initiative aligns perfectly with his government’s policy thrust and appreciated Rotary International for its humanitarian works across the globe.

A Noble Initiative for Peace

“I want to appreciate the Rotary Club for what they do for humanity. This is another initiative, a very noble one from the Rotary Club. This kind of initiative aligns with the policy of the state government under the present administration,” Otti stated. “And all of us can bear witness that there is security in Abia State. With that, you can comfortably say that Abia State is peaceful. That is why this noble initiative aligns with the policy of the present administration,” he declared, reminding the people of his resolve that, under his watch, “no part of Abia State will be ceded to criminal elements.”

Speaking at the press conference, the Abia State Coordinator, Rotary Action Group for Peace in Nigeria, Abia State Branch, Rtr. Sunny Megwara, noted that the NCVRP was launched nationally in August 2025 by the federal government, and said there was a need for it to be domesticated in all states of the federation, including Abia State.

Megwara described peace as the bedrock of development and prosperity in any society and noted that the NCVRP was designed to tackle terrorism, banditry, cultism, youth restiveness, and gender-based violence; enhance community resilience; promote social cohesion; strengthen local government and law enforcement; and restore dignity and opportunities to vulnerable communities.

What Positive Peace Means

“We are talking about peace, not just peace, but what we call positive peace. There is a distinction between peace, which people understand as the absence of war, and positive peace, which has to do with everything, including governance, good governance, good neighbourliness, free flow of communication, equitable distribution of people’s resources, and things like that,” Megwara said.

The NCVRP aims to address the root causes of violence in communities and promote sustainable development. The initiative includes measures to improve governance, support community engagement, and strengthen law enforcement. It also focuses on empowering vulnerable communities and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources.

Governor Otti has consistently emphasized the importance of security and peace in Abia State, stating that his administration will not tolerate any form of criminal activity. The collaboration with the Federal Government and Rotary Club is seen as a strategic move to enhance security and promote development in the state.

Analysts say the NCVRP could have a significant impact on reducing violence and promoting peace across Nigeria. However, the success of the initiative will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders, including state and local governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

The initiative was launched nationally in August 2025, and its implementation in Abia State is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The program is funded by the Federal Government and supported by international partners, including Rotary International.

The NCVRP is part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to address the growing security challenges in the country. The initiative is expected to create a more stable and secure environment for communities and promote sustainable development.

With the support of Governor Otti and the collaboration of key stakeholders, the NCVRP has the potential to make a meaningful impact on reducing violence and promoting peace in Abia State and beyond.