In a renewed commitment to fostering peace and unity, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), in collaboration with the International Communities Organization (ICO), has launched community-based peace structures in Plateau State. The event, themed “Building Social Cohesion and Peace in Plateau State,” took place on November 13, 2025, at Odilin’s Event and Decorations Centre, Jos, bringing together key stakeholders from across the 17 local government areas.
The program commenced with a virtual welcome address by Mr. James Holmes, Secretary General of the International Communities Organization (ICO), who applauded the government’s initiative in strengthening community peacebuilding efforts. Holmes prayed for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and expressed ICO’s readiness to deepen partnerships with both federal and state governments in advancing sustainable development and community resilience.
Representing the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngo Josephine Piyo, delivered the Governor’s remarks, reaffirming the state government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security across Plateau State. She emphasized that peace remains the foundation of progress and that the administration prioritizes rebuilding trust and inclusivity among diverse communities. Governor Mutfwang highlighted ongoing efforts to support displaced persons, promote dialogue, and strengthen early warning systems in collaboration with security agencies, traditional institutions, and faith-based organizations. He further noted that the government is investing in youth engagement, women empowerment, and job creation, describing these as pillars of sustainable peace. He urged participants to carry the lessons from the workshop to their local communities, stressing that “peace cannot be imposed; it must be built by communities for communities.”
Delivering her keynote address, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), described the launch as a milestone in the collective journey toward peace and unity in Nigeria. She stated that the initiative, which has also been implemented in Benue and Kogi States, seeks to establish sustainable structures for continuous dialogue, conflict prevention, and collaboration. Dr. Essiet underscored the need to strengthen early warning and early response systems, as most conflicts begin from small, neglected misunderstandings. She urged participants to rise above ethnic, political, and religious divisions, condemning all forms of criminality and calling for inclusivity in peacebuilding efforts. Drawing from the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because you are”—she reminded all that peace and prosperity are interconnected, encouraging unity, truth, and justice in addressing communal challenges.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Ephraim Usman, Plateau State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, commended Dr. Essiet and the Federal Government for recognizing Plateau’s long-standing peace efforts. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting initiatives that promote harmony and inclusiveness, urging participants to speak the truth and replicate peacebuilding lessons in their local communities. He shared a touching story of a young girl orphaned by violence, stressing the human cost of conflict and appealing for collective responsibility in fostering lasting peace.
Also speaking, Dr. Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, described the initiative as timely and heartwarming, noting that for the first time in years, the federal, state, and local governments are aligning efforts toward peace. She emphasized that peacebuilding must be community-driven, recognizing the indispensable roles of traditional rulers and grassroots leaders. “Peace must be local,” she said. “You build it, you own it, and you sustain it.” Dr. Sanda reaffirmed her agency’s commitment to continue partnering with federal authorities and local communities to sustain existing peace structures across the state.
Adding the voice of the youth, Mr. Panan Dapar, Chairman of the Plateau State Youth Council, hailed the initiative as a strong recognition of the state’s past and ongoing peace efforts. He applauded both the state and federal governments for building on structures like the Plateau Peace Building Agency and Operation Rainbow. Dapar stressed that the new community-based structure is vital because most conflicts begin in rural areas. He urged participants to ensure the structures are not just theoretical but practical and effective at the grassroots.
Following the remarks and goodwill messages, there were presentations on “Building Sustainable Community Structures for Peacebuilding” and “Community Early Warning and Early Response Systems.” The sessions focused on strategies for strengthening local participation, information sharing, and quick response mechanisms to prevent escalation of conflicts.
The event also featured a question-and-answer session, where participants from different local government areas interacted with facilitators, shared experiences, and proposed practical approaches for strengthening peace structures within their communities.
In conclusion, stakeholders reaffirmed their shared commitment to rebuilding trust and unity across Plateau State. The workshop closed on a hopeful note, with participants pledging to take ownership of peacebuilding processes and work collectively to restore Plateau to its rightful place as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
