Zulum, CDS, Shehu of Borno, Theatre Commander, Others to Attend Stakeholders’ Engagement on Countering Violent Extremism in Borno

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Garbai el-Kanemi; Borno Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan; and Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, are billed to grace a one-day multi-sectoral stakeholders’ engagement for youths and students on countering violent extremism, terrorism, and promoting peacebuilding in Borno.

Also scheduled to participate in the noble effort to find a lasting solution to violent extremism in the country are General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu; National Coordinator of National Counter terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) Major General Adamu Garba Laka; Prof. Ibrahim Umara of the University of Maiduguri; members of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly; members of the academia; and eminent traditional rulers, whose participation will enrich the discussions and provide a comprehensive perspective on these critical issues.

A statement jointly signed by the Executive Director of Network of Civil Society Organisations, Borno State
(NECSOB), Comrade Bulama Abiso; Founder/CEO, Kalthum Foundation of Peace (KFP),, Amb. Ummu Kalthum Rabiu; and Speaker, Borno Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Usman, stated that the one-day stakeholders’ engagement aims to address the pressing issues surrounding violent extremism, promote effective conflict resolution strategies, and foster a culture of peace within our communities.

Scheduled to take place on 28 June 2025, the event will be hosted at the prestigious Indimi Hall, located within the University of Maiduguri.

This venue, the statement said, was carefully selected to provide an inspiring setting for open dialogue and collaboration among participants.

The statement reads: “We are honoured to have the Borno State Governor, His Excellency Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, gracing the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, bringing his invaluable insights and leadership to the discussions. Additionally, the Chief of Defence Staff, General C. G. Musa, is anticipated to attend as our Distinguished Guest of Honour, further emphasizing the significance of this gathering in our collective efforts to combat the challenges posed by violent extremism.

“Moreover, we are privileged to welcome other notable guests, including the respected Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Dr. Abubakar ibn Garbai el-Kanemi, and the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, and the Theatre Commander, OP HK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.”

The one-day summit is set to attract over 1,000 students from Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. The event aims to enhance the efforts to these students in the areas of community engagement and peacebuilding, particularly through the framework of the COIN (Counter-Insurgency) strategy.

The groups stressed that the gathering presents an opportunity for participants to discuss and develop collaborative approaches to address regional challenges, fostering a spirit of cooperation and understanding among the youth.

They added that the anticipated attendance underscores the importance of youth involvement in peace initiatives and highlights the potential for constructive dialogue in promoting stability in the region.

Noting that the event promises to be a pivotal moment for youth engagement and collaborative action toward building a safer, more peaceful future for all, the statement added: “We encourage everyone to join us in this vital conversation and be part of the solution.”