An indigenous Non-Governmental Organisation, the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development says it has deradicalized 30 women associated with Boko Haram in Borno.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, disclosed this on Tuesday in Maiduguri at the inaugural meeting of a Media Forum on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in the state.
Allamin said at the forum organised by the foundation that the deradicalisation of the women, who were also empowered and reintegrated into the society, was part of its new programme.
She said that the new programme was to facilitate transitional justice and reconciliation in the state.
“This media forum is based on requests from the media on the transitional justice being promoted in the state, following the mass surrender of Boko Haram,” the executive director said.
She noted that the media had a critical role to play in creating awareness on transitional justice and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the process for maximum success.
“The objective of this forum is to engage media professionals in vital conversations concerning the promotion of transitional justice and reconciliation efforts within Borno State and the broader North-Eastern region of Nigeria.
“We recognize the significant role that the mass media plays in shaping public discourse, framing issues, setting agendas and fostering a development-oriented approach to transitional justice and social cohesion.
“During this forum, we aim to delve into the multifaceted aspects of transitional justice and reconciliation, exploring how the media can contribute to these essential processes,” Allamin said.
In his remarks on behalf of journalists at the meeting, Mr Abdulkareem Haruna, the Vice-Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno Chapter, lauded the foundation for partnering with the media in its activities to promote reconciliation in the state.
Haruna said that journalists in Borno remained committed to the return of peace and normalcy in the state.
He added that they would support the government and any organisation committed to peace in the region and country in general.
