Peace has become an underrated necessity while terror has gained massive attention such that it now has its visible presence across the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

It is a case of a child who is so well fed that he is allowed to grow without boundaries while the other is so neglected that he is allowed to remain that illusive. But who finances terror at the detriment of peace? A nation that continues to allow terrorism to grow at the detriment of peace digs its own pit.

It is no longer news that fingers have been pointed at some prominent Nigerians for financing terrorism (terrorists, bandits, Fulani militia and herders). In a surprising twist, some of these individuals are even government officials. Does that mean Government money is being used to promote terrorism? This is a serious question I have been pondering on.

However, while it seems the perpetrators of terrorism are intentional about their agenda, there seems to be no agenda for peace.

The quest for peace and the fight against terrorism cannot be completely abandoned to the Government especially when there are indications to suggest Government mundane approach to combating the menace. In some cases ex Army Generals, Security Advisers and Politicians have been indicted and implicated in bandits wanton escape. There are also many instances where Politicians were seen romanticizing with bandits (Terrorist).

No doubt the terrorists have support both in the Government and private sector. These individuals make funds available for them to buy guns, grenade and every other thing they need for their dastardly acts. Now the question is who are the ones funding peace?

There are organizations whose sole concern is attainment and achievement of sustainable peace. Many have Nobel idea and plan to engineer lasting solution but are paralyzed by lack of funding. So why do we have funds for guns and never have funds for peace?

For organizations like REFOP, it is never lack of what to do but resources to implement. We as a people, the time has come for us to come together and show our alignment. Are we for peace or for terrorism? Those for peace need to so show their commitment for peace projects that peacebuilding organizations never lack resources to fund their projects as it is more profitable to invest in peace than to invest in terrorism!
There is no better time to invest in peace than now. NOW IS THE TIME TO INVEST IN PEACE AND PEACEBUILDING.

Banditry (Terrorism) has become a new crime economy so lucrative that its sustenance has been established on the suffering of the Nigerian citizen.

Every family member kidnapped by bandits is another million in the pocket of the terrorist. Another million to buy more weapon and further equip their arsenal. This system has become a stubborn bone in the throat of Nigerians particularly those whose unfortunate situation has compelled them to negotiate ransom payments with the bandits. Nigerians whose family member are in the camp of the terrorist must negotiate their release as that is one of the most viable means to secure their release. This particular approach is anathema, because it becomes a necessary evil, a bitter pill that must be swallowed.

We are at a great dilemma, in between the lion and crocodile infested pond, between choosing to withhold ransom from the terrorist and neglecting loved ones at the mercy of demonic fiends who would rather kill them than to release them without ransom. This is the unfortunate situation Nigerians have found themselves, this is how bad Nigeria insecurity situation has degenerated to.

If ransom would not be paid to bandits what then is the alternative? Military action, this is the best approach at remedying this situation. The Military must engage the terrorists(Bandits) without option of negotiation. They must fiercely engage in full action to rescue the victims and exterminate the terrorist. This is the only approach that guarantees long time solution.

If we must continue negotiating with terrorist and paying ransom to them, then we as a people must be prepared to live with the situation for a very long time, for as long as human greed exist because banditry may never end.

We must stop paying ransom to bandits and completely stop negotiating with them. Negotiating with bandits is romanticizing banditry. Every organised peace meeting with terrorist is directly normalizing terrorism and making a shame of intelligence. Terrorists are irrational people they do not reason like us, they do not deserve peace meeting and we do not need to pay ransom to them because every ransom paid to terrorist (bandits) is an indirect funding for terrorism. Ransom payments empower the bandits.

Africa is the continent of the future, next to witness Industrial revolution. With incessant conflict and endemic hostility, the future of the continent look blick but with intentional effort, Peacebuilders can make sustainable peace possible. Be part of the organization with a focus on preparing Africa for the future.

BECOME A CERTIFIED PEACEBUILDER!
Start your journey as a Peacebuilder with Renaissance Foundation for Peacebuilders.
Registration is now open to join our Peacebuilding Training & Membership Program
Gain Skills In:

○ Conflict Prevention &Management
○ Peacebuilding
○ ADR
○ Community Engagement
○ Peace Advocacy
○ Early Warning & Early Response

Membership Benefits:
● Certificate in Peacebuilding
● Official Membership ID
● Access to Field Projects
● Membership Certification
● Leadership Opportunities
● Networking with Peace Actors
● Peacebuilding foreign trips

Who Can Join?

Students • Youth Leaders • Teachers • NGO Volunteers • Community Influencers • Anyone passionate about peace!
Start Your Journey Today!

Click the link👇🏿 below to register

Registration Page – REFOP https://thepeacebuilders.org/registration-page/

This is what Africa need now to achieve sustainable Peace

Building Peace from the Ground Up: REFOP’s Community Engagement in Action

At the Renaissance Foundation for Peacebuilders (REFOP), we believe that peace is most powerful when it begins at the grassroots. True transformation doesn’t come from the top down—it starts in our streets, schools, homes, and hearts. That’s why community engagement is at the core of everything we do.

What Does Community Engagement Mean to REFOP?

For us, community engagement is more than just outreach—it’s partnership. It means listening first, working alongside local leaders, and co-creating solutions that reflect the real needs of the people. Whether we are mediating local conflicts, facilitating peace education, or training young peace advocates, we make sure every voice counts.

Our Approach to Community Engagement

REFOP uses a participatory approach, ensuring that every initiative is inclusive, culturally relevant, and community-owned. Here’s how we make it happen:

• Community Dialogues & Listening Forums
  We bring people together across lines of division—religious, ethnic, political—to talk honestly, share stories, and rebuild trust.
• Peace Clubs and Youth Circles
  Young people are empowered to lead their peers in creating a culture of peace within schools and neighborhoods.
• Women in Peacebuilding
  We actively involve women in decision-making processes, recognizing their critical role in fostering unity, healing, and community care.
• Skill-Building Workshops
  Communities are equipped with conflict resolution, mediation, and leadership skills to reduce violence and promote collaboration.

Impact on the Ground

In communities where tension once thrived, we’ve seen signs of hope and healing. Local disputes that could have turned violent have been resolved through dialogue. Youth once caught in cycles of aggression now lead peer-mentoring programs. Women once silenced now speak boldly in town meetings and lead initiatives of their own.

One community member shared,

“Before REFOP came, we lived in fear of our differences. Now, we sit at the same table and solve problems together.”

That is the power of intentional, people-centered engagement.

Why It Matters

Community engagement is the heartbeat of sustainable peace. Without it, efforts are short-lived and disconnected. With it, change is deep, lasting, and far-reaching. REFOP is committed to being present, walking alongside the people we serve, and fostering a shared vision for peace that includes everyone.

Join the Movement

Peacebuilding is not a spectator sport. Whether you’re a student, a community elder, a business owner, or a concerned citizen—your voice, your effort, your presence matters. Partner with us. Volunteer. Share your story. Together, we can transform communities into places of healing, unity, and hope.

REFOP – Empowering Communities. Building Peace. Creating Hope.

#PeaceBeginsWithUs | #REFOPCommunity | #EngageForPeace