LEGASI is a non-profit community organisation launched in January 2017 by Kaltumi Abdulazeez. Today, LEGASI runs projects to empower women and reduce conflict in Kaduna State, Nigeria, but also supports four grassroots organisations through the Local Action Fund – a flexible funding initiative to empower grassroots peacebuilders.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is home to over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages. A legacy of British colonialism, heavy national reliance on oil production, governance issues and tensions within ethnic groups contribute to ongoing conflict dynamics. Violence has occurred between farmers and pastoralists, particularly over land. Nigerian civilians face economic inequality, gender-based violence and political corruption, while our partners report that people no longer trust the government nor security architecture.
Armed groups like Boko Haram have brutalised local communities, killing hundreds of thousands of civilians – primarily children – and displacing millions. These actors have also contributed to regional food crises.
LEGASI brings together community members who have been divided by conflict and outright violence, providing trauma counselling and helping them to overcome division and bridge these divides.
LEGASI also provides livelihood training and support, enabling communities to develop initiatives that lift themselves and others out of poverty peacefully and into financial freedom.
LEGASI has also helped mitigate human trafficking in Kaduna, reduce electoral violence and expand opportunities for grassroots women in political participation.
Peace Direct has partnered with LEGASI since 2020. Discover stories of our shared impact below.
You can also learn more about LEGASI on their website.
