By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Sunnah TV, a broadcast media organization based in Maiduguri have threw their weight in the ongoing Deradicalization and Reintegration of repentant Boko Haram terrorists into the society by organizing a 3-Day Train -The-Trainer Workshop for religious leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in Borno state.

Themed: ‘New Approaches to Conflict Resolution and the Boko Haram Aftermath’, took place at the Prime Lodge Conference Hall in Maiduguri, the state capital.

In his welcome remarks,  the Managing Director of Sunnah TV, Hon. Mohammed Tukur Ibrahim said the occasion was sponsored by the NEDC in collaboration with his Media outfit.

He noted that society has to embrace thousands of the repentant Boko Haram terrorists inline with the Borno Model, as most of the insurgents were forcefully conscripted and later disarmed, therefore, there are the urgent needs of communities navigating recovery, forgiveness, justice, and reconciliation.

As SUNNAH TV, the Managing Director revealed that they recognize their role not only as broadcasters but as partners in peace, and remain committed to promoting constructive narratives, providing platforms for dialogue, and supporting efforts that strengthen unity, understanding, and responsible civic engagement.

His words: “It is with great honour and deep sense of appreciation that I welcome you all to this important 3-Day Train-the-Trainer Program on New Approaches to Conflict Resolution and the Boko Haram Aftermath.”

“On behalf of SUNNAH TV, I extend warm greetings to every participant, partner, and stakeholder represented here today.

“Before proceeding, permit me to specially acknowledge and appreciate the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Goni Alkali for his unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, capacity development, and community resilience across the North-East region. His visionary leadership continues to make impactful programmes.

“In the same vein, I wish to sincerely appreciate the Borno State Government for its continuous support to initiatives that strengthen peace, empower communities, and promote social cohesion. 

“The Government’s consistent collaboration with development partners has created an enabling environment for meaningful and sustainable interventions.

“This training reflects not just a programme but a commitment to rebuilding lives, strengthening communities, and sustaining peace in a region long tested by conflict. Our gathering today demonstrates that despite the difficulties we have faced over the years, our resolve for peace, healing, and reintegration remains unshaken.

“The theme of this workshop directly touches our reality in Borno State and the broader North-East. For more than a decade, our communities have suffered the painful consequences of violent extremism. Families have been displaced, trust has been eroded, and many individuals, especially youths, have been caught in cycles of trauma and social displacement. 

“Yet today, we are gathered not in despair but with a renewed sense of purpose. We are here because we believe in the possibility of transformation. We are here because we believe that communities can heal. And we are here because we know that properly trained facilitators, mentors, and peace champions are fundamental to sustaining long-term rehabilitation and reintegration.

“Let me once again express sincere appreciation to the MD/CEO and leadership of the NEDC, as well as the Borno State Government under the leadership of Professor Babagana Zulum, for continuous support and commitment to programmes that address both the causes and consequences of violent extremism. Their collaboration remains invaluable to the stability, growth, and recovery of our communities.

“Over the next three days, participants will examine critical  sessions such as: Rehabilitation and integration of repentant individuals. The role of social media in peacebuilding and responsible communication, transitional justice from an Islamic perspective, Approaches to peaceful coexistence in the aftermath of insurgency, And broader methodologies for resolving conflicts in multicultural communities like Borno.

“These are not merely theoretical ideas-they are practical tools that can help rebuild our social fabric. They will speak about the urgent needs of communities navigating recovery, forgiveness, justice, and reconciliation.

“At SUNNAH TV, we recognise our role not only as broadcasters but as partners in peace. We remain committed to promoting constructive narratives, providing platforms for dialogue, and supporting efforts that strengthen unity, understanding, and responsible civic engagement.

“May the outcomes of this gathering foster deeper understanding, stronger collaboration, and lasting peace across Borno State and the North-East”. Ibrahim concluded.

The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al-amin Elkanemi, represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Wadaima, the Police Commissioner, represented by ACP Ali Alkali and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mohamed Hamza among others while  delivering their separate goodwill messages commended NEDC and Sunnah TV for organizing such a parley, which they all pledged unflinching support. 

University of Maiduguri Dons, such as Professor Mala Mustapha presented a paper titled: ‘Overview: Reintegration of repentant insurgents- challenges and opportunities’, Professor Umar Alkali also presented a paper on ‘Understanding Radicalization and Deradicalization processes, while Dr. Babakura Bukar also addressed participants on Resilience and Coping Mechanisms: teaching ex-combatants stress management, patience and constructive coping, among other Resource Persons.

Participants were drawn from Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Media, Judiciary, Police, Academia and host of other stakeholders.