Importance of Community Resilience in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism – Idris Miliki
On October 6, 2025, the Open Governance Forum (OGF) focused on the importance of community resilience in countering violent extremism.
The discussion centered on how communities can play active roles in preventing radicalization, promoting peace, and supporting government efforts to address insecurity.
Summary Report
The forum, which aired on Prime FM 101.5 in Jimgbe, highlighted the critical role communities play in preventing and countering violent extremism.
Comrade Idris Miliki, Executive Director of CHRCR, emphasized that community resilience refers to the ability of people within a community to work together, adapt, and recover from challenges such as violent extremism.
He noted that building resilient communities involves strengthening social ties, promoting inclusive governance, and empowering citizens to resist extremist influences.
Comrade Miliki explained that violent extremism often thrives where there is poverty, injustice, unemployment, and weak trust between citizens and authorities.
He stressed that addressing these root causes through inclusive dialogue, education, and empowerment is key to long-term peace.
The guest highlighted the critical roles of youth and women, describing them as frontline actors in peacebuilding and early warning systems.
According to him, engaging these groups through community awareness, skill development, and participation in governance can effectively curtail the spread of extremist ideologies.
On strengthening collaboration, Comrade Miliki emphasized that partnership between communities, government, and security agencies is essential for building trust and ensuring timely information sharing.
He encouraged community leaders and religious figures to promote positive narratives that counter hate speech and extremist propaganda.
Addressing recovery in affected communities, Comrade Miliki advised that psychosocial support, dialogue, and reintegration programs are necessary to heal divisions and rebuild trust among citizens.
In his closing remarks, he urged all citizens to take responsibility for promoting peace, tolerance, and vigilance within their communities. He stressed that countering violent extremism is a collective effort that requires unity, awareness, and cooperation.
Conclusion
The program successfully enlightened listeners on the need for collective community action in promoting peace and countering violent extremism.
The discussion underscored that lasting security begins with strong, informed, and united communities.
