By Mariam Abeeb
An author, Jennifer Alih has emphasized that collaboration and strategic investments are key factors in preventing and reducing violence.
.Alih made this know while speaking at One Year Anniversary and book launch titled ; From Silence to Strength, in Abuja.
It could be recalled that the country has witnessed a rise in violent incidents, one of which prompted President Bola Tinubu on November 26 to declare a state of emergency and order the recruitment of additional security personnel.
She explained that violence is not destiny, culture, normal, and is not inevitable and can be reduced through courage to confront hard truths.
The author who is also a philanthropist, humanitarian leader, and a social entrepreneur said the project was driven by alarming statistics that show the prevalence of violence nationwide.
“Statistics tell us that one in three persons will experience violence in their lifetime. Every 10 minutes, someone is killed by someone they know. These are not just numbers — they are sons, daughters, neighbours, friends, parents. They are us,” she said.
“Violence is not destiny. Violence is not culture. Violence is not normal. Violence is not inevitable. With collaboration, strategic investments and the courage to confront hard truths, violence can be prevented, reduced, and ultimately defeated,” she added.
Alih described From Silence to Strength and its accompanying programme, The Victoria Show, as a movement committed to preventing violence, not merely discussing it.
The Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Abdullahi Halims, during his remark at the event , reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity and all forms of violence across the country.
Halims said the government remained committed to addressing the growing insecurity.
He added that the National Assembly was ready to strengthen existing laws and introduce new ones were necessary to curb violence and insecurity.
He said, “You can see that the government is very determined to curb violence, banditry and insecurity. The APC government is doing very well in that regard.
“There are existing laws we can review, we can enact further, we can make amendments — that’s what lawmaking is all about. My duty is to ensure the laws are enacted.”
The event drew advocates, policymakers, partners and supporters united by a common message: breaking the cycle of silence is key to building safer communities.
