The historic inaugural North Central Peace Summit and the official launch of the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative (PCEPI) held in Jos, Plateau State, marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable peace. Hosted at Crispan Hotel and Suites, the event brought together key stakeholders—traditional rulers, security officials, religious leaders, government representatives, civil society actors, and concerned citizens—to address the region’s escalating security challenges. The evening was further energized by a stirring musical performance from legendary Nigerian artist 2Baba (2face Idibia), whose presence underscored the unifying power of art in fostering reconciliation.
Dr. Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central) and Convener of the summit, warmly welcomed attendees, setting the stage for a transformative dialogue. She emphasized the summit’s mission to bridge ethnic and religious divides through inclusive engagement. Backed by the presidency, the PCEPI seeks to establish grassroots peace structures across all 110 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the North Central region, ensuring direct communication between communities and her office.
Dr. Essiet highlighted the summit’s innovative approach, which included a fireside chat with the Chief of Defence Staff and plans for a multi-ethnic, multi-faith town hall. “This initiative stands out because of its inclusiveness and direct linkage to the presidency,” she noted. Reaffirming the region’s strength in diversity, she stressed the indispensable role of justice, inclusion, and social cohesion in building lasting peace. Closing with the profound African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because you are”—she called on all participants to contribute actively to the peacebuilding process.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, followed with a passionate appeal for sincere national dedication to peace. He warned against the dangers of misinformation and societal apathy in the face of insecurity, stating, “Without our individual and collective will to end these problems, we won’t progress.” He stressed the need to revive family values and shield Nigerian youths from moral decay, assuring citizens of the military’s unwavering commitment to their safety. General Musa urged Nigerians to report misconduct and uphold law and order, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility.
Hon. Ephraim Usman, representing Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, officially launched the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative (PCEPI), describing it as a crucial step toward national stability. He highlighted President Tinubu’s support for the initiative, noting that sustainable peace must be community-driven. “Peace is not just a government agenda; it requires grassroots ownership and inclusive participation,” he declared. The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration among citizens, traditional institutions, civil society, and government, empowering local communities to lead conflict resolution efforts.
Hon. Usman also advocated for constitutional recognition of traditional rulers, arguing that their roles in local governance are indispensable for peacebuilding. He called on all stakeholders to prioritize justice, dialogue, and reconciliation, framing PCEPI not just as a program but as a “movement to heal, unify, and transform communities.” His message resonated as a clarion call for unity across ethnic and religious divides.
His Royal Majesty, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, emphasized the importance of honest dialogue in resolving conflicts. He lamented Nigeria’s neglect of history in education, stating, “He who does not know where he comes from cannot know where he is going.” He cautioned against divisive religious rhetoric and stressed the need for due process in land ownership and community integration.
Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, President of ECWA, reinforced the divine mandate for unity, urging religious leaders to be active peace ambassadors. “We are not just ambassadors of peace—we are agents of it,” he asserted, calling for interfaith collaboration to heal the region. His words echoed the sentiment that peace is a collective responsibility requiring action, not just words.
Former Governor Simon Bako Lalong drew from his governance experience, emphasizing that conflicts often originate locally. “Crises don’t start from the outside—they start locally,” he noted, recalling how partnerships with traditional and religious leaders helped broker peace during his tenure. He called for stronger local government involvement in security matters.
Professor Yusuf Turaki, Chairman of CONAECDA’s Board of Trustees, delivered a thought-provoking keynote, challenging attendees to reflect on the true nature of Nigeria’s conflicts. “Are we truly at war with ourselves or under siege by invaders and land-grabbing oligarchs?” he asked. He stressed that peace must be built on recognizing the sacredness of every human life, ancestral heritage, and shared humanity. His speech called for deep introspection and a return to foundational values.
The summit’s success was amplified by 2Baba’s performance, which bridged generational and cultural gaps, reinforcing the event’s central message of unity. His presence symbolized art’s role in peacebuilding, leaving attendees inspired.
The North Central Peace Summit was more than a dialogue—it was a bold declaration of collective resolve. From Dr. Essiet’s unifying welcome to the powerful contributions of security chiefs, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, the event demonstrated a shared vision for peace. Participants departed with a renewed commitment to fostering peace through sincere engagement, historical reflection, and respect for human dignity. As the PCEPI takes root across the region, the hope for a peaceful, unified Nigeria burns brighter than ever.
