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Unity in Diversity: PPPN Rounds Off Week-Long Peace Day Celebration in Plateau

Published

1 year ago

September 24, 2025

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The Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN) on Wednesday, September 24, drew the curtains on its week-long activities marking the 2025 International Day of Peace, themed “The Time for Peace is Now: Different Voices, One People.” The grand finale, held in Jos, featured the unveiling of the second edition of the Peace Practitioners Journal, the launch of a Peace Podcast, the presentation of fellowship awards, and cultural performances celebrating unity in diversity.

In his opening address, Nanmak D. Bali, Chairman of PPPN, emphasized that the International Day of Peace was more than a calendar date but a deliberate opportunity to create impact. He recalled the various activities organized during the week — including radio and television programs, interfaith prayers, a Peace Walk, a novelty match, and tree-planting campaigns — describing them as proof of PPPN’s determination to build bridges and change the narrative of conflict on the Plateau.

“This year, we deliberately expanded our commemoration into a week-long celebration,” he said. “Today’s awards recognize individuals and traditional leaders who have labored for peace on the Plateau. We are also honoring Reverend Father Patrick Lebo for his tireless efforts and acknowledging the steadfast support of the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency. Above all, we are grateful to SPRiNG, whose partnership has made our vision possible.”

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammad Sambo Haruna, Emir of Wase, the District Head of Wase North, Mustapha Umar Galaclina, commended stakeholders for sustaining peace amid challenges. He urged participants to nurture young people’s talents for peace rather than allow them to be wasted in conflict.

Regional Manager of the SPRiNG Program in North Central Nigeria, Mujidang Sitdang, highlighted SPRiNG’s role in supporting community-driven initiatives in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Katsina States. He cited tree-planting campaigns, female football matches, and the sponsorship of PPPN’s Peace Journal as symbolic steps towards reconciliation. “This publication is more than a magazine — it documents the work and reflections of peace practitioners and adds to national and international conversations on peace,” he said.

Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwon, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Michael Dogo, reflected on the universal need for peace, urging youths to embrace innovation, reject crime, and build a society guided by godly values.

Dr. Julie Sanda, Director-General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), praised PPPN for its consistency and emphasized that peacebuilding required collaboration across institutions, civil society, and communities. She noted the deliberate focus on young people, stressing that their creativity and resilience must be harnessed to sustain peace.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Emmanuel Ande, a member of the PPPN Advisory Board, expounded on the theme “Different Voices, One People,” warning that “diversity without unity invites anarchy, while unity without diversity risks tyranny.” He called for respect, inclusion, and policies that reflect grassroots realities.

Other highlights included the unveiling of the Peace Journal Volume Two and a Policy Brief by Dr. Charles Dickson, also of the PPPN Advisory Board. He cautioned against reducing peace to uniformity, urging Nigerians to embrace diversity and ensure women are meaningfully included in peace conversations. His Royal Highness Yakubu Chaimang, Ata Aten of Ganawuri, prayed over the journal, stressing that peace is the foundation for development.

David Bouro, PPPN’s Director of Communication and Publicity, launched the Peace Podcast, which chronicles Plateau’s conflict history from 2001 to date through the voices of eyewitnesses. “This is not only a historical record but a guide for the next generation,” he explained.

The evening also featured a posthumous award presented to the family of the late Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, a spoken word performance by Decipher Joseph Limen, a saxophone rendition by Sam Sax, and a cultural dance symbolizing a peaceful Plateau.

Closing the program, PPPN reaffirmed its commitment to continue building bridges of peace and urged all stakeholders to carry the message of peace into their homes, communities, and institutions.

News

'Nigeria drifting to dictatorship' – Atiku condemns attacks on Sowore, ADC candidate

Published

2 hours ago

October 31, 2026

PlateauReports

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has blasted the administration of President Bola Tinubu over attacks on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore and the governorship candidate of the ADC in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan'iya.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Saturday, Atiku said the attacks were troubling.

"The simultaneous attacks on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, and the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, are deeply troubling and unacceptable," Atiku wrote.

The former Vice President described the attacks as a dangerous threat to democracy and an attempt to silence opposition voices under the Tinubu administration.

He accused the Federal Government of creating an atmosphere where opposition candidates are no longer safe, warning that Nigeria is drifting towards dictatorship.

"This is not how democracy works. No Nigerian should be attacked for daring to contest against those in power. If opposition is under attack, then democracy itself is under attack," Atiku added.

Atiku called on security agencies to immediately fish out those behind the attacks and ensure they face justice, while urging President Bola Tinubu to call his supporters to order.

‘Nigeria drifting to dictatorship’ – Atiku condemns attacks on Sowore, ADC candidate

Business

Nigeria, Russia move to replace 59-year-old aviation agreement

Published

5 hours ago

October 31, 2026

PlateauReports

Nigeria and Russia have agreed to replace a 59-year-old aviation agreement, aiming to update air transport relations and create opportunities for stronger connectivity between the two countries.

The agreement to renegotiate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), which dates back to 1967, was reached during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Russian officials on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.

Mr Keyamo disclosed the development in a post on his X account on Friday, saying both countries had agreed to complete negotiations within six months and sign a new agreement in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in April 2027.

He said the Nigerian delegation met with Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev, the State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation.

“We resolved to renegotiate our last Bilateral Air Service Agreement that was made in 1967. We set a timeline of six months to conclude the negotiations and sign a new one in Saint Petersburg in April 2027,” Mr Keyamo said.

He added that both countries had formed negotiating teams to begin work toward an agreement within the agreed period.

The proposed renegotiation is expected to update the framework governing air transport between Nigeria and Russia, reflecting changes in the international aviation industry over the past six decades.

What the agreement means

A Bilateral Air Services Agreement provides the legal framework for scheduled air services between two countries. It generally sets out the conditions under which airlines from both countries can operate international flights, including routes, traffic rights, designated airlines and other operational arrangements.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development says its Air Transport Management Department negotiates and reviews new and existing air services agreements and monitors their implementation.

The ministry also works with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other aviation agencies to facilitate international air links and regulate airline operations.

The proposed replacement of the Nigeria-Russia agreement could therefore create opportunities for improved air connectivity and cooperation between their aviation sectors.

However, neither Mr Keyamo nor the ministry disclosed proposed flight routes, designated airlines or the frequency of possible operations under the new agreement.

Wider cooperation

Beyond the aviation agreement, Mr Keyamo said the meeting also examined other areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Russia.

He said both sides had resolved to explore additional opportunities in the coming months.

The Nigerian delegation included the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt: Chris Najomo, and the Registrar of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Dr Danjuma Adamu Ismaila.

Directors from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA also participated in the discussions.

ALSO READ: Nigeria sends low-level delegation to Russia-Africa summit

Nigeria and Russia have maintained diplomatic relations since shortly after Nigeria gained independence in 1960. Their relationship has included cooperation in areas such as defence, trade, science and technology.

According to the Nigerian Embassy in Russia, the Soviet Union provided political and military assistance to Nigeria during the 1967–1970 Civil War. Cooperation between the two countries has also extended to space technology, including the launch of Nigeria’s satellites aboard Russian rockets in 2011.

The planned aviation agreement is expected to form part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral relations and identify further areas of cooperation.

Both countries are expected to begin negotiations through their respective teams, aiming to conclude the process and sign the new agreement in Saint Petersburg in April 2027.