By Pwanagba Pwanagba, Jos
The Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Mr Joseph Lengmang has commended non state actors in the contributions in the promotion of peace in the State.
He also reiterated that the state is still suffering from the violent conflict has gone through, “many of our families are struggling to deal with our legacies of the conflict”.
Lengmang disclosed this while addressing non state actors after a Peace Walk from the Old Airport junction to the Secretariat junction flyover bridge in Jos, as part of its activities to commemorate the 2022 International Day of Peace.
“We are here basically to create awareness and to sensitise people on the need and the philosophy in living in peace with one another.
“We are here also to assert and affirm our commitment to what we have been doing and what we will continue to do in Plateau State in furtherance of our determination to consolidate on the gains we have recorded in the last few years.
“On behalf of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, the State Government, the State Governor; whom we consider our number one peace ambassador and on behalf of all our international and local partners, we appreciate all.
According to him, “For us here on the Plateau, we know where we are coming from; 10 years ago, 15 years ago and 20 years, violent conflict has been a part of our people.
“The destruction that violent conflict has brought to Plateau State uptill this moment, many of our families are struggling to deal with our legacies.
“But as a result of our collective efforts, as a result of the vision of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, as far peace and security is concern; today his ideas, philosophy and approach has helped significantly in bringing about the decline in the outbreak of high intensity violence in Plateau State.
“Therefore, we are here today, as part of our own commemoration of the International Peace Day, to also celebrate what non state actors are doing in the promotion of peace and security in Plateau State”, he maintained.
“Our children and families will learn to understand the philosophy of peace”, Lengmang stressed.
Also speaking, Country Coordinator of Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISTRA), Comrade Nicholas Gimba said, “Freedom of religion, women and youth rights are integral parts of human rights framework and should be seen as reinforcing each other.
“Religion is an immensely important element in the lives and identity of billions of people.
“Awareness and religious engagement on the part of decision and policy makers is key to preventing and solving conflict.
“Interfaith collaboration increases understanding of diversity and contributes to peace”, Gimba stressed.
