The Plateau State Government has assured citizens of its drive towards sustainable Peace in the state which will foster development.
The State Government made this known on the occasion of the International Day of Peace 2022 which was commemorated with a town hall meeting organized by the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) on Wednesday in Jos, Plateau State.
The 2022 International Day of Peace was marked with the theme ”End Racism, Build Peace” and a sub-theme ”Fostering Social Cohesion and Mutual Understanding for Sustainable Peace in Plateau: The Role of Community”
Governor Simon Bako Lalong was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Dan Majang expressed a deep desire to bequeath a peaceful Plateau.
The Governor called on the residents of the state to support and collaborate with the government and security agencies toward a peaceful Plateau.
“We will do everything possible to secure the people of Plateau; because we can only grow and develop when there is absolute peace.
“We will deploy all resources at our disposal to ensure lasting peace is restored to all parts of the state.
The establishment of the peace building agency is part of our efforts in ensuring there is peace at all levels,” he said.
The governor thanked security agencies and the media for working assiduously toward the actualization of the relative peace currently being enjoyed in the state.
Also delivering his opening remarks, the Director General of Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Mr Joseph Lengmang, said the event was organized to reflect on the importance of the day, which was set aside by the United Nations to commemorate the peace globally.
He stated that the event was in collaboration with its partners, including Mercy Corps, Norwegian Refugee Council, TearFund, Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action JISRA and GIZ, as they have over the years carried out peace activities in the state.
Lengmang further explained that the occasion was also an opportunity for the various peace workers in the state and other stakeholders to share their experiences and build on the existing success and gains achieved.
The Co-Chairman of Plateau Inter-Religious Council, Prof. Pandang Yamsat, went on to advise residents of the state to be tolerant, patient and respect the values of others.
He advised communities to come together and draw out values that would entrench togetherness and promote peaceful co-existence in the society.
The representatives of Gbong Gwom Jos, Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Commissioner of Police, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and various heads and representatives of other Organizations also delivered various peace messages at the occasion.
Activities for the International Day of Peace started earlier on Tuesday 20th as the Plateau Peace Building Agency led CSOs and NGOs on a Peace road in Jos Plateau State.
