By Naanpoe Kwaplong.
Stakeholders in Plateau State have been tasked to sustain and build on existing peace structures established under the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue’s Peace-Core Two project.
This formed the focus of discussions at a project close-out workshop tagged “Building Bridges of Peace through Sustainable Peace Infrastructure in Plateau State.”
The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, HD, initiated three projects under its Peace-Core Two programme aimed at addressing critical gaps in peace mediation interventions across Plateau State.
In a welcome address, the Country Manager of HD, Dr. Chris Agoha, identified the gaps in the process to include lack of coordination, duplication of interventions, as well as weak sustainability and institutionalization of peace structures and processes.
Dr. Agoha added that the interventions are expected to leave lasting footprints in the history of peacebuilding in the state.
In a goodwill message, former Minister of Water Resources, Dr. Sarah Ochekpe urged the organization to focus more on children in its next initiatives by promoting values of peace and coexistence
Also, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Usman, represented by a Director in the Ministry, Yohana Majau, encouraged stakeholders to actively participate in initiatives that promote economic empowerment and social inteventions.
Earlier, the chairperson of the Plateau State gender and equal opportunities commission Olivia Dazyam,who noted the opportunities abound in peace processes stated the interventions have helped restore dignity and proved hope for a better future in communities affected by conflict.
Highlight of the event was recognition of the project’s key stakeholders and the official handover of the projects products to the plateau state peace building agency and the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs.
Edited by Karen keyen
About The Author
