Lapai Legislative Council Endorses PEBCLIN Programme on Conflict Prevention, GBV and Child Protection

The Lapai Local Government Legislative Council has endorsed the Community Localization Programme on Prevention of Conflict, Gender-Based Violence and Child Rights Violations (CLP3), an initiative being implemented by the Peace Bridges and Community Linkages Initiative (PEBCLIN).

The endorsement was announced during a legislative briefing held at the Council Chambers in Lapai, where lawmakers and stakeholders received presentations on the programme's objectives and implementation strategy.

The session was attended by the Speaker of the Legislative Council, the Deputy Speaker, the Majority Leader, the Councillor representing Arewa/Yamma Ward, other councillors, and key stakeholders.

During the briefing, PEBCLIN advocated for the establishment of Ward Protection Committees across the 10 wards of Lapai Local Government Area to strengthen community-based responses to conflict, gender-based violence and child rights concerns.

The organisation also proposed the creation of Ward Legislative Mentorship Clusters aimed at mentoring young leaders under the guidance of elected councillors. According to PEBCLIN, the initiative is designed to promote youth engagement in governance and community development.

In addition, the group called for the domestication and enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Act within the local government area to enhance legal protection for vulnerable groups.

Lawmakers welcomed the proposals and pledged legislative support for measures that would advance the programme's objectives. The Council indicated its willingness to consider integrating relevant recommendations into its resolutions and oversight activities.

Speaking after the session, PEBCLIN Executive Director, Abdullahi Shuaibu, thanked the Legislative Council for its support and commitment to peacebuilding and human rights protection.

He said the organisation would work closely with ward councillors to promote community sensitisation, strengthen early warning mechanisms and support policy initiatives aimed at addressing conflict and protecting vulnerable populations.

According to him, the collaboration is expected to contribute to efforts to improve conflict prevention, gender equality and child protection at the grassroots level in Lapai Local Government Area.