As part of the activities to celebrate the 2024 International Day of Peace, civil society organizations and the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA) organized a symbolic peace walk today in Jos. The walk, which commenced at the Old Airport Roundabout and concluded at the Secretariat Junction, was organized in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to promote peace in the state.
The event is part of the buildup to the global observance of the International Day of Peace, celebrated annually on September 21. This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” was at the center of the day’s activities, with participants spreading messages of peace throughout the walk.
Muege Dilmaghani-Oromhi from GIZ, while addressing participants, expressed her appreciation for the enthusiasm shown during the event. “It’s a global peace walk under the theme of cultivating a culture of peace. I’m very happy to see so many people motivated to spread this message. Peace is not given; it’s something we create together,” she said, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility in fostering peace.
The Director General of the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, who led the walk, highlighted the significance of the event. “The theme for this year is cultivating a culture of peace, and we have various organizations and individuals here today who believe in the ideal of peace. Plateau is the home of peace and tourism, and that identity is not just in the past, it is today,” she said.
Dr. Sanda reiterated the importance of replacing a culture of violence with one of peace, given Plateau State’s history of conflict. She called on everyone to join in promoting peace, stating, “Without peace, there cannot be prosperity. We are coming together to make a bold statement that we are a peace-loving people.”
The event saw participation from organizations like Rotary International, the Wayfarers Club, and other local peace advocates. The walk is one of several initiatives leading up to the International Day of Peace, aimed at promoting social cohesion and addressing the root causes of conflict in Plateau State.
