The federal government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring lasting peace and inclusive development in Plateau and the North-Central region.

Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Community Engagement (North-Central), stated this at a workshop organised by her office on Thursday in Jos.

Ms Essiet described the event as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s collective journey towards strengthening social cohesion, promoting inclusive development, and advancing peace.

According to her, the project demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s firm commitment to placing communities at the centre of the peacebuilding process.

The SSA emphasised the president’s concern over the recurring conflicts in Plateau, insisting that the majority of the conflicts were fuelled by misunderstanding, misinformation, and manipulation.

“The core purpose of this initiative is to complement the efforts of our security agencies and the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA), to ensure sustainability and translate our collective efforts into measurable change.

“Earlier this week, I briefed the president on the current security situation in the North-Central. The president conveyed his personal commitment to ensuring that lasting peace returns not only to Plateau but to every part of Nigeria,” she said.

The SSA also said the federal government established the Ministry of Livestock Development, which is tasked with implementing ranching systems as a sustainable solution to recurring farmer-herder conflicts.

Ms Essiet underscored the importance of local participation and urged community representatives to strengthen early warning and early response systems.

She particularly described early warning and early response systems as vital for preventing small disputes from escalating into full-blown conflicts.

Declaring the workshop open, Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the event as timely and of great significance.

“This gathering provides us with a platform to reflect on our shared challenges and, more importantly, renew our collective commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Plateau.

“Peace is the foundation of progress; without it, development is impossible and communities cannot thrive,” he said.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, said his administration had made peacebuilding a top priority.

While thanking the federal government for the initiative, Mr Mutfwang promised to build his administration on the principles of justice and fairness.

“This government is resolute in its commitment to ensuring that every Plateau citizen go to their farms, schools, markets, and worship centres without fear.

“We are fostering an environment where justice, fairness, and inclusivity guide our interactions as a people,” Mr Mutfwang said.

The governor pledged to collaborate with security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and community leaders to enhance early warning systems, foster dialogue, and address the root causes of conflict in the state.

He also promised to resettle all displaced persons and rebuild communities ravaged by conflicts in the state.

(NAN)