In a moment of reflection and gratitude, Kenneth Attah, Project Team Lead of BEGE FOUNDATION, commemorated 22 years of peace efforts in Plateau state after the infamous September 7th 2021 Jos crisis that claimed the peace of the famous Jos tin city. Speaking today at a special edition of the GASKIYA YOUTH PLATFORM in Plateau State, Mr Attah said the occasion reminded us all of the challenges and sacrifices endured over the years in pursuit of lasting peace.

Amidst the solemnity of the occasion, Attah acknowledged the remarkable contributions of international and local non-governmental organizations (INGOs/NGOs), community stakeholders, religious and traditional institutions, and the government. He stressed that the enduring peace in Plateau today is a testament to the collective determination to overcome frustration and adversity.

“Plateau’s current state of peace stands as a powerful testament to our united efforts, despite the obstacles we’ve faced,” Mr. Kenneth stated.

Mrs. Olufunmi Donkap, in her welcoming remarks, expressed her delight at seeing young people engage in discussions about peace. She emphasized the pivotal role that youth must play in their respective spheres, underlining their paramount importance in society’s fabric.

“If we believe in ourselves, we can make a difference by saying ‘yes’ to peace and ‘yes’ to truth,” Donkap declared.

She reminded the youth of Plateau that the future of the state depends on their actions and initiatives.

The keynote speaker, Ms. Muege Dilmaghani Oromieh, Head of Projects at GIZ Peacecore Nigeria, underscored the vital role of youth in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. She emphasized that when the youth are empowered and integrated into society, meaningful change becomes achievable.

Oromieh stressed the necessity of transforming conflicts through community empowerment, highlighting that unfounded assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and even violence. She encouraged youth to use platforms like Gaskiya Youth to dispel assumptions, express grievances, and promote peace.

Miss Ngozi Edmond provided an overview of the ongoing interventions by Bege Foundation in various Plateau communities. She also highlighted the importance of the monthly Gaskiya Youth platform, where young people come together to discuss trending issues and brainstorm peaceful solutions.

The panel discussion on the role of youth in consolidating and sustaining peaceful gains in Plateau State featured several insightful speakers:

Barr Juliana Shan, Executive Director of JDPH, emphasized the futility of using violence to resolve issues and urged youth to leverage their energy and numbers to promote dialogue and change.

Mr. Yakubu Taddy, Director of News and Current Affairs at PRTVC, encouraged youth to use their influence positively and address issues such as tribalism and ethnicity.

Mr. Williams Ubimago, Project Manager of Search for Common Ground, called on youth to engage in peace-building activities, counter negative narratives on social media, and foster interreligious collaboration.

Hajiya Lantana Abdulahi, National Co-Coordinator of Nigeria Women Mediators Network, emphasized the potential of Nigeria’s youthful population and called for gender balance, equality, and online resource utilization.

The special edition of the Gaskiya Youth Platform also future an interactive question and answer session where youths from various communities led thought-provoking questions and discussions on the pivotal role of youth in shaping a harmonious future for Plateau State and beyond.

The monthly town hall “Gaskiya platform” organized by Bege Foundation with funding support from Peace Direct through LEGASI and Engage held at the Augustinian training center, state low-cost in Jos, Plateau state.