By Ezekiel Thomas
The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has launched a pilot project in Benue State aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment and digital peacebuilding skills.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Benue State Government, is targeting women-led community organisations, particularly those operating in internally displaced persons camps and host communities.
The programme began in Makurdi with a five-day Training of Trainers for twelve participants drawn from civil society and community groups.
The facilitators are expected to step down the training to about sixty women and girls in selected communities.
Speaking at the launch, ECOWAS Director, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, described the project as a strategic investment in women-led peacebuilding, noting that it aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and regional trade and gender action plans.
She said the initiative would equip women with digital tools, entrepreneurship skills and conflict-sensitive approaches to strengthen resilience and promote sustainable peace.
The Benue State Secretary to the Government, Mr. Aber Serumum Deborah, commended ECOWAS for the intervention, saying it would support livelihood recovery and enhance grassroots participation in the state’s Durable Solutions Action Plan.
The two-month pilot will involve training, monitoring and documentation, with a view to replicating the model in other ECOWAS member states.
ECOWAS says the project underscores its commitment to community-driven solutions to displacement and conflict across West Africa.
