The Women for Positive Peace Building Initiative (WOPPI) has joined peacebuilding organisations, government agencies and other stakeholders across Plateau State to commemorate the International Day of Peace with a peaceful walk and gathering focused on dialogue, inclusion, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
The event, organised in collaboration with the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN) and other peace actors, brought together individuals and organisations working across various areas of peacebuilding.
The peaceful walk commenced from the Old Airport, proceeded through Plateau Hospital and ended at the State Secretariat, Jos, with participants carrying a unified message that peace is a shared responsibility requiring the commitment of individuals, communities, civil society organisations, government and other stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, the Director-General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, acknowledged the difficult experiences Plateau State has faced over the years, while highlighting the resilience of its people and their determination to rebuild.
“Plateau State has faced a lot of challenges. Every attack is regrettable, every life lost is regrettable, every livelihood shattered is regrettable, every community displaced is regrettable, every community destroyed is regrettable, and every infrastructure displaced is regrettable. But that isn’t the complete story of Plateau. Plateau is building back and is building better.”
Dr. Sanda commended the resilience of Plateau people and their continued efforts to restore peace and rebuild their communities.
Also speaking, the President of the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network, Mr. Nanman Bali, called on citizens to embrace peace and love one another, noting that peace remains a major aspiration of communities across the state.
He expressed hope for sustained peace in Plateau State and Nigeria, urging citizens to remain committed to peaceful coexistence.
The Executive Director and Pioneer of WOPPI, Hajiya Lantana Bako Abdullahi, stressed that peace should not be a value remembered only during annual commemorations but one that should become part of everyday life.
She emphasised that peacebuilding should not be left to government and security agencies alone, but requires the active participation of everyone.
Hajiya Lantana also challenged negative perceptions about Plateau State, noting that although the state has experienced significant challenges, those experiences should not define its people.
“We have had our own share of challenges, but it doesn’t define who we are as a people.”
She called for continued efforts to build communities where people can live, work and move freely alongside one another, regardless of their differences.
The gathering served as a reminder that Plateau State’s story extends beyond conflict and challenges, with resilience, collaboration and collective efforts also shaping the state’s journey towards peace.
WOPPI appreciated the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Plateau Peace Practitioners Network and all collaborating organisations, institutions and stakeholders for their continued contributions to peacebuilding across the state.
As the world commemorates the International Day of Peace, WOPPI reiterated the call for peace to move beyond a yearly observance and become a daily commitment embraced by all.
The organisation also expressed appreciation to UK International Development (FCDO), Tetra Tech International Development and the SPRING Programme for their continued support and partnership in advancing peacebuilding, women’s meaningful participation and community resilience across Plateau State.
According to WOPPI, the partnership continues to create opportunities for women, men, communities and key peace actors to engage in dialogue, collaboration and initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence.
WOPPI reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s meaningful participation in peacebuilding and creating spaces where women and men can work together towards safer, more inclusive and peaceful communities.
