Stakeholders, government representatives, and civil society organizations have convened in Jos, Plateau State, for a two-day workshop on the Humanitarian, Development and Peace (HDP) Nexus and Children Affected by Armed Conflict.

The event, held at Villa Grande Hotel from September 29 to 30, 2025, focused on strengthening integrated dialogue and humanitarian support for women and children in conflict-affected communities. A symbolic highlight was the presentation of ₦26 million in humanitarian support to beneficiaries, reflecting the commitment to building resilience and fostering peace.

Representing the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Arc. Samuel Nanchang Jatau, Mr. Gayi Timothy Gayi commended ECOWAS, GIZ, civil society, and partners for organizing what he described as a “timely intervention” for Plateau. He noted that the state has endured over two decades of violent clashes and displacement of more than 31,000 households as of May 2025. Gayi stressed that “relief without development fosters dependency, while development without peace remains unsustainable,” reaffirming government’s readiness to coordinate with agencies such as the Peace Building Agency and PLASEMA.

Dr. Julie G. Sanda, Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, highlighted the devastating effects of prolonged conflicts, especially on children who face displacement, disrupted education, and trauma. She emphasized that humanitarian aid, development, and peace must work in synergy, assuring participants that “integrated solutions can rebuild lives, restore hope, and strengthen resilience.”

From ECOWAS, Senior Counsellor Bashar Aminu described the workshop as a significant platform for harmonizing efforts among government, civil society, and local actors. Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, echoed the message, saying the dialogue was “more than a workshop—it is a movement rooted in unity, healing, and rebuilding.”

Other speakers stressed the need for sustained collaboration. Ashoms Azi, representing the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA), underscored the trauma and losses endured by women, children, and vulnerable groups, while calling for long-term solutions.

Myriam Wedraogo, Head of Programme for the GIZ Peace Core Project, explained that transitional development assistance remains key in preventing future crises. She highlighted the Peace Core II Project’s focus on livelihood support and conflict transformation, adding that “resilience cannot be built without bridging humanitarian aid and long-term development.”

Yakubu Mohammed Adamu, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, reaffirmed the ministry’s support, stressing that women and children are not only victims but also “resilient agents of change” deserving education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

The workshop ended with renewed commitments to strengthen partnerships across humanitarian, development, and peace actors in Plateau State, ensuring that interventions address both immediate needs and long-term stability.