The Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, President and CEO of The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, emphasized that “Peacebuilding is not a sprint but a marathon which requires constant vigilance, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to engage even in the most difficult conversations, circumstances; and demands that we look beyond our differences and recognize our shared humanity. It calls us to be both visionary and pragmatic – to dream of a better future while working tirelessly in the present.”

During a courtesy visit to the DG of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) on Monday, July 23, 2024. Addressing Director General Dr. Julie Sanda and her team at the agency’s office, Para-Mallam highlighted that the Peace Foundation is a faith-based but uncompromising organization which believes in peace building that is predicated on justice and speaking truth to power for the common good of all Nigerians.

Para-Mallam while expressing deep gratitude and optimism for the future of peacebuilding in Plateau State and Nigeria, highlighted the severe challenges facing Nigeria, including a persistent culture of violence and impunity, and emphasized the need for comprehensive conflict transformation strategies to address these issues and promote lasting peace especially through collaboration.

The Pata-Mallam’s Peace Foundation President highlighted the foundation’s purpose for the visit – to strengthen ties and collaborate with the new Director General, Dr. Julie Sanda, a renowned peace activist known for her resilience and commitment to peace.

“We come not just to share our experiences but to learn from yours as well. We come to explore how we can work together more effectively, how we can amplify each other’s efforts, and how we can create synergies that will accelerate our progress towards peace.”

Para-Mallam reflected on the foundation’s journey since its official registration in 2019, noting that they have been actively involved in peacebuilding efforts since 2010. The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation operates under three main pillars: the Citizens Monitoring Group (CMG), the Transformational Leadership Development Mentoring Initiative (TLDMI), and the African Woman Arise Rebuild & Excel (AWARE) Initiative.

The President recounted several impactful projects that underscore the foundation’s commitment to sustainable peace and reconciliation. Including interventions in Maiadiko, peace gatherings in Southern Kaduna, and humanitarian efforts in Kajuru, Chukun, have Bassa, Zangon Kataf, Mangu and Bokkos amongst other local government areas in Plateau State. Para-Mallam emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to working together for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation’s commitment to working together with the PPBA and other stakeholders to build a more peaceful and prosperous Plateau and Nigeria.

“We believe that by working together – across religious, ethnic, and organizational boundaries – we can create a future where every Nigerian, regardless of their background, can live in peace and dignity. Our task, as peacebuilders, is to nurture this hope. To provide the tools, the knowledge, and the platforms that will allow this vision to take root and flourish. Whether it’s through our Citizens Monitoring Group, our leadership mentoring programs, or our initiatives to empower women, we are committed to building a more peaceful and prosperous Plateau and by extension Nigeria.”

In closing, the President congratulated Dr. Julie Sanda on her new role as Director General and expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the PPBA. “Your work is vital, and we are honored to stand alongside you in the cause of peace. Let us move forward together, with courage and determination, knowing that the path to peace may be long and challenging, but it is a path worth taking.”

Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, responded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation’s visit and contributions. Expressing deep appreciation for the courtesy call, Dr. Sanda commended the seriousness and dedication evident in the documentation provided by the Foundation’s President in his address.

In her remarks, Dr. Sanda particularly emphasized the poignant memory of Yakubu Mohammed, referencing what Dr. Para-Mallam, said. Yakubu, a young peace advocate whose tragic death deeply impacted her and the peacebuilding community. Yakub, known for his commitment to peace in the face of adversity, had been actively involved in local peace efforts, including his role in the joint vigilante committee in Bassa. His untimely death, which Dr. Sanda described as a profound loss, was a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by peace advocates on the ground.

Dr. Sanda acknowledged the challenges of working in a complex environment where political manipulation and elite interference often undermine peacebuilding efforts. She highlighted the necessity of multi-stakeholder engagement and collaborative approaches to effectively address the multifaceted issues of violence and conflict.

Dr. Sanda provided an insightful analysis of the evolving nature of violence and conflict in Plateau State. She noted the increasing prevalence of violence that goes beyond traditional conflict dynamics, encompassing severe criminality and security issues that complicate peacebuilding efforts. The rise of violence in rural areas, away from the more serene urban centers, presents a new challenge for peacebuilders.

The Director General outlined the PPBA’s focus on comprehensive conflict resolution, including prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict peacebuilding. She emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of violence, particularly the role of youth and women in community development and peacebuilding.

The DG also shared plans for upcoming initiatives, including collaborations with various partners to tackle pre-election violence and support local government elections. She expressed interest in further discussions with the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation to explore potential areas for collaboration and mutual support.

In closing, both the President and CEO of the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation and Dr. Juliana Sanda reaffirmed their commitment to a collaborative approach in their quest for peace. The dialogue underscored the shared responsibility and collective effort required to build a more peaceful and prosperous future for Plateau State and Nigeria.

The visit concluded with a presentation by the new Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, Sheikh Ghazali Isma’ila Adam, a strong partner of The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, acknowledged the strategic efforts of the PPBA. Both Para-Mallam and Dr. Sanda reaffirmed their commitment to a collaborative approach in their quest for peace. The visit not only reinforced the bonds of collaboration between the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation and the Plateau Peace Building Agency but also set the stage for continued efforts towards achieving lasting peace not just in Plateau state but Nigeria.