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.
