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Para-Mallam Urges Sustained Commitment to Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation; During Visit to PPBA
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.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has rejected any attempt to allocate land in the state for ranching without the approval of his administration and the consent of the people.
Alia made the position clear on Monday during a town hall meeting with stakeholders from the Sankera bloc, which covers Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.
The governor’s statement comes less than two weeks after the Federal Government named Benue among the locations selected for the pilot implementation of its National Ranching Policy.
The policy, announced by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, is aimed at promoting modern livestock production and reducing the movement of large herds of cattle across communities.
Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Adamawa states, alongside the Federal Capital Territory, were identified for the initiative.
The Federal Government said the selected areas were chosen because of their history of farmer-herder conflicts. The pilot programme is expected to begin at the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau State.
But the announcement has triggered strong reactions in Benue.
Governor Alia has now made it clear that his administration will not permit the compulsory use of Benue land for pastoral activities.
“Nobody will force us to cede even an inch of our land to the pastoralist for any purpose. If that must happen, I can assure you, it will not be this time that I am still the governor of Benue State,” Alia said.
His comment places the state government firmly against any arrangement that would involve taking over land without local approval.
The Sankera axis, in particular, has remained one of the areas facing serious security challenges.
Communities in Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo have suffered attacks, killings and kidnappings over the years.
Many residents have also been forced to leave their homes and farms because of insecurity.
It was against this background that Alia announced fresh measures to improve security in the area.
The governor said three military operational units would be established at strategic locations across Sankera.
One of the units will be located in Agu, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. Another will be stationed in Anyiin, Logo, while the third will be based in Azendeshi, Ukum.
Alia also announced that 30 motorcycles would be provided to security agencies operating in the area.
According to him, the motorcycles are expected to improve movement, patrols and the ability of security personnel to respond quickly when emergencies occur.
Alia said his administration would continue to take steps aimed at protecting residents and restoring confidence in communities affected by insecurity.
The governor also spoke about infrastructure during the meeting.
He announced plans for the construction of a new dam with a projected capacity of 460 megawatts.
The project, according to him, is expected to provide water and support electricity generation in the state.
The town hall meetings are being held across Benue’s 11 federal constituencies.
Benue Groups Had Earlier Rejected Ranching Plan
In a related development, Mzough U Tiv, Ochetoha K’Idoma and Omi Ny’Igede had earlier rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ranching programme in the state.
The three groups represent the Tiv, Idoma and Igede communities respectively.
At a press conference in Makurdi earlier this month, the organisations said they were not against modern ranching as an agricultural and commercial activity.
However, they opposed any plan that would impose ranches on communities without their consent.
They also called for the safe return of internally displaced persons before any major allocation of land for ranching is considered.
The groups argued that thousands of Benue residents displaced by violence are still unable to return to their ancestral communities.
They maintained that securing the affected areas and restoring displaced farmers should come before committing large portions of land to a new livestock programme.
The organisations also stressed the importance of protecting farmland and food production in the state.
Benue already has its Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017, which prohibits open grazing and provides a legal framework for ranch establishment in the state.
The state government has repeatedly maintained that livestock production can be developed through ranching, but that such development must follow existing laws and respect the rights of communities.
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