Jos, Nigeria – August 1, 2025 – In a significant move to strengthen peace and conflict resolution efforts in Plateau State, the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) officially adopted the structures established under the Peace Action for Rapid Transformative and Nigerian Early Response (PARTNER) Project. The handover ceremony, held at FOX Hotels in Jos, Plateau State, brought together community leaders, youth representatives, and development partners to celebrate the transition and reaffirm their commitment to building sustainable peace across the state.
The event began with an opening remark by the Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, who welcomed stakeholders and commended the success of the PARTNER Project since its inception in 2022. She acknowledged Mercy Corps, WANEP (West Africa Network for Peacebuilding), and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) for their vital roles in the project’s execution.
Dr. Sanda highlighted that the adoption of the structures signifies not just a handover, but a shared responsibility in maintaining and scaling the impact of the initiative. She reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustaining the gains recorded and ensuring the community-led systems for peace continue to thrive.
Following her remarks, Mr. Manji Mangrock, Program Manager for WANEP Nigeria (Abuja Office), shared insights into the development and implementation of the PARTNER Project. He explained that the project began in Tier 1 states—Plateau and Kaduna—and expanded to Tier 2 states such as Nasarawa and Kano. The initiative focused on strengthening early warning systems, promoting social cohesion, and resolving community-level conflicts.
He noted that despite the abrupt termination of the USAID grant in early 2025, WANEP and the Plateau Peace Building Agency continued working together to ensure the structures would not be lost. The handover, he emphasized, marks a milestone in local ownership and sustainability.
Speaking as a community youth representative, Mr. Vileng Danbaki Daniel, Youth Chairman of the Bijim Development Association, expressed appreciation for the inclusion of youth leaders in the peacebuilding process. He praised the Plateau State government and PPBA for adopting the structures, describing it as a major achievement for grassroots peace efforts.
“We now move freely across once-divided communities. Trade, dialogue, and peaceful interactions have returned because of this initiative,” he stated. Daniel emphasized that peace must be built through community involvement, dialogue, and accurate communication.
Participants from different communities also shared moving success stories. Pius Chuhwak Davou from Kwata community said that before the intervention, young people were often excluded from local decision-making. However, through the PARTNER Project, traditional leaders now engage youth actively, strengthening unity. Hafsat Ahmad shared how Bible Faith and Rafin Mpaa, previously in conflict, now coexist peacefully.
She described how peace walks and community-led campaigns helped bring reconciliation. Ezekiel Bameyi from Mangu reported a decline in substance abuse and improved family relationships. Representatives from Kongo Russia, Abbanashehu, and Gero also testified to reductions in farmer-herder clashes, cattle rustling, and long-standing marginalization.
Delivering the official acceptance speech, Mr. Nantip Joseph, Director of Program for PARTNER Structures at PPBA, acknowledged the collaborative nature of the project. He emphasized that the agency was part of the co-creation of the structures from the beginning, making the transition natural and seamless.
“We have previously adopted structures from organizations like Search for Common Ground, and we’ll continue to do so where structures are viable,” he said. Joseph reaffirmed PPBA’s commitment to supporting community actors and emphasized that sustainable peace must come from within the communities themselves. He pledged that the agency would continue to back the structures while urging local actors to take ownership of the peace process.
The adoption of the PARTNER Project structures by the Plateau Peace Building Agency represents a bold step towards locally driven, long-term peace in Plateau State. It highlights the power of collaboration, inclusion, and community ownership in addressing conflict and building resilience. As the state moves forward, stakeholders remain optimistic that these efforts will lead to a more peaceful and prosperous Plateau.
