In commemoration of the International Day of Peace and to strengthen peace-building efforts in Plateau State, the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN) today inaugurated an Advisory Board for the coordinating body of peace-focused civil society organizations (CSOs) and practitioners. The event, held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Jos, also marked the launch of the first edition of the PPPN Journal, which aims to document and share best practices for peace-building across the state.
In his remarks, Nanmak D. Bali, President of the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network, expressed his profound gratitude for the collective efforts made toward peace in Plateau State. He emphasized that peace is a continuous process requiring constant care, attention, and collaboration. “Peace is not just the absence of conflict,” Bali said, “it is a continuous process of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.”
He highlighted the critical role that every individual, family, and institution must play in maintaining peace. Reflecting on the progress made, Bali acknowledged the challenges but called for renewed efforts to build lasting harmony. “Our ambition is not merely to dream of peace but to actively build it,” he added.
Bali also emphasized the importance of youth in peace-building, describing them as the “pillars upon which a peaceful future will be built.” Addressing the broader peace community, Bali concluded with a call to recommit to the principles of nonviolence, empathy, and collaboration, urging all attendees to ensure that their actions reflect the values of peace they promote. “Peace is not a destination; it is a journey we must travel together—side by side, hand in hand,” he said.
Delivering a keynote paper at the event, Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, represented by Prince Charles Dickson, spoke on the theme of this year’s International Peace Day, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.” In his address, Dickson underscored the importance of addressing systemic issues that undermine peace efforts, both within the government and among peace practitioners.
He raised critical questions about the role of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PBBA) and the need for the agency to exist and achieve beyond being an appendage of the office of the government. He lamented the political dynamics in Plateau State, where different governments have appeared to favor specific groups, fostering division. He called for greater inclusivity, particularly for non-indigenes and those of minority faiths who often feel excluded. “Exclusion has a balance,” he noted. “You might be in the majority today, but that could change tomorrow. These are dynamics we must navigate to ensure peace.”
He also highlighted the importance of protecting freedom of religion and belief, stressing that the use of discriminatory language, which reinforces religious intolerance, should be treated as hate speech. “We need to find long-term solutions to the grievances among communities, and government must take the lead in facilitating meaningful dialogue,” Dickson urged.
Addressing the PPPN directly, Dickson suggested that the organization itself must “repair its house,” alluding to internal divisions that could undermine peace efforts. He emphasized the need for peace practitioners to put personal differences aside and focus on the collective goal of building harmony in Plateau.
In conclusion, Dickson called for religious leaders to take a more active role in preventing violence by publicly discouraging hostile rhetoric and encouraging interfaith dialogue. He emphasized that peace is not achieved through silence but through constant communication and understanding between communities. “The more we talk to each other, the more we understand each other,” he said.
The newly inaugurated Advisory Board is expected to play a key role in guiding peace initiatives, while the PPPN Journal will serve as a vital resource in the ongoing work to build a peaceful Plateau.
