Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has urged the state’s residents to embrace peace as the driving force behind sustainable growth and development, In alignment with his call for unity and progress. This message was conveyed during the 2023 International Day of Peace, themed “Action for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals,” held at Crispan Hotel Jos. The event was organized by the Plateau Peace Media Network in partnership with the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network, with support from Mercy Corps and USAID.
Represented by the Commissioner of Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the pivotal role of peace in advancing progress, stating that “Peace is essential because, without it, many goals remain unattainable. Even the most innovative ideas cannot thrive in an environment lacking tranquility.”
He expressed gratitude to the organizers, notably the United Nations, for leading the International Day of Peace initiative. He called upon all Plateau State citizens to prioritize peaceful coexistence, making the state a fertile ground for development.
Gyang Bere, the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, who also attended the event, stressed the significance of peace for development, saying, “Peace is a prerequisite for development, and all stakeholders must actively promote peace to make Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole safe havens.”
Mathew Tegha, the coordinator of the Plateau Peace Media Network (PPMN), highlighted the media’s role in fostering peace and positive change. He emphasized the importance of active engagement and action in maintaining peace and identifying solutions to challenges.
Regarding the sub-theme of the day, “Actions for Peace: The Prospects and Challenges for Addressing the Multidimensional Crises in Plateau State,” he acknowledged the complexity of issues within the state and the urgency of addressing these challenges.
Honorable OJ Afwanks, secretary of the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), acknowledged the long-standing conflict in the state since 2001 and attributed the ongoing conflicts to the lack of competence among peace practitioners, both state and non-state actors.
The International Day of Peace 2023, led by the Plateau Peace Media Network in collaboration with the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network, focused on the sub-theme: “Actions for Peace: The Prospects and Challenges for Addressing the Multidimensional Crises in Plateau State.”
Taiye Lucas of Mercy Corps encouraged citizens to take concrete actions to turn their desire for peace into tangible realities. Participants from various groups in the state shared their experiences and engaged in discussions on ways to promote peace.
Furthermore, a group of key stakeholders in Plateau State convened a panel discussion to delve deeply into strategies for preserving peace and fostering unity across the diverse communities within the state.
The day’s commemoration, which began with a peace walk, culminated in a town hall meeting where notable stakeholders discussed recommendations and resolutions.
