The Bege Foundation on September 29, 2025, convened a one-day stakeholders’ engagement with community peace actors in Plateau State under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World – A Stakeholder Engagement for Sustainable Peace.”
The event, which formed part of activities to commemorate International Peace Day, brought together women leaders, youth representatives, civil society organizations, government agencies, and peace practitioners to reflect on ongoing peacebuilding efforts and renew commitments to sustainable coexistence.
In his welcome address, Mr. Kenneth Attah, Team Lead of the Bege Foundation, underscored women’s empowerment as a pillar for peace. He explained that through partnerships with Peace Direct and other supporters, the foundation has provided platforms for women and youths to drive change via dialogue, skills acquisition, and business support programs. “This initiative is not about analysis but about real impact—transforming lives, strengthening communities, and creating spaces where women and youths can meaningfully contribute to peacebuilding,” he said.
A presentation on “Understanding the LEGASI Project” was delivered by Mrs. Lola Raji, Executive Director of the Fort Initiative and partner of the Ladies Empowerment Goals and Support Initiative (LEGASI). She reviewed the Engage One and Two projects, funded by Peace Direct, which have promoted women’s inclusion, conflict resolution, and humanitarian responses across Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Riyom, Jos North, Mangu, and Bokkos. Raji highlighted the strengthening of early warning and response systems, especially through the promotion of the 112 emergency number, and emphasized collaboration between grassroots communities, policymakers, and security institutions.
Two plenary sessions formed the core of the discussions. The first, moderated by Barrister Esther Azi, featured women peace actors including Mrs. Maria from Bokkos, Paulina from Riyom, Hajiya Sumaiya, and a representative from Barkin Ladi. They shared testimonies of how women have increasingly become mediators and advocates, helping to shift their communities from division toward coexistence.
The second plenary, moderated by Emanuella Olayinka, focused on youth-led peacebuilding initiatives. Young participants such as Lawrence from Bokkos, Mallam Aminu from Riyom, Nemtip from Barkin Ladi, and Adebayo from Jos North/South reflected on their journey from communities once plagued by mistrust to becoming active agents of peace working with elders and security agencies.
Special remarks were delivered by representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network, and other NGOs, who commended the organizers and reiterated that peace is not optional but essential for Plateau’s development and future.
Closing the engagement, Dr. Godwin Okoko, Director of the Bege Foundation, called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in peace processes. He stressed that solutions must be built collectively, recognizing the resilience and contributions of all groups.
The event, participants agreed, was more than a meeting—it was a reaffirmation that peace is achievable when women, youth, government, and communities work together.