As part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Peace, the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PSPBA), in collaboration with the GIZ Peacecore II Project and other stakeholders, organized an Appreciative Inquiry Workshop in Jos with the theme “Act Now, Speak Peace: Positive Methods for Old Times.” The event brought together peacebuilders, youth leaders, media practitioners, government officials, and civil society representatives to explore how digital storytelling, innovation, and social media can sustain peace.
Welcoming participants, Elkanah Izam, Director of Administration at PSPBA, represented the Director General, Dr. Julie G. Sanda. He highlighted the workshop as part of a broader “Month of Peace” initiative, which included community advocacy, youth events, environmental campaigns, and cultural exhibitions. Izam urged participants to embrace the opportunity, stressing that their contributions were crucial to lasting peace in Plateau State and beyond.
In her remarks, Suzan Gopuk, Senior Adviser with GIZ Peacecore II, applauded the collaborative spirit of the engagement. She acknowledged support from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, encouraging participants to channel creativity and collective energy toward amplifying positive change and fostering inclusive dialogue.
Representing young voices, Plateau Youth Council Chairman (Jos North), Paul Stephen Mancha, called on youths to resist manipulation by violent actors. He emphasized condemning evil without ethnic or religious bias, commending PPBA and GIZ for prioritizing youth inclusion. Mancha also encouraged networking and collaboration among participants as vital tools for peace advocacy.
Closing the workshop, PSPBA DG Dr. Julie G. Sanda expressed delight with the outcomes, underscoring the potential of young people to responsibly use social media for positive impact. She emphasized that small local efforts could eventually inspire global change.
The workshop featured insightful sessions from resource persons. Izam presented on “Appreciative Inquiry and Peacebuilding,” stressing the power of positive storytelling. Mathew Tegha, Chairman of Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association, demonstrated how social media content can prevent conflict. Kenneth Dakop, PPBA’s Strategic Communication Lead, discussed responsible communication and the dangers of fake news. Tim Kunat of Discover Jos highlighted opportunities in combining creativity, entrepreneurship, and social campaigns, while the Center for Earth Works linked environmental justice to peacebuilding.
Interactive discussions allowed participants to exchange experiences, clarify concepts, and generate practical ideas for their communities.
In conclusion, the workshop not only celebrated the International Day of Peace but also deepened collaboration among peace actors. It highlighted the transformative role of digital platforms, storytelling, and youth engagement in building resilient, peaceful communities. Participants departed motivated and better equipped to champion peace within and beyond Plateau State.
