The Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PSPBA) has commemorated its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of institutionalised peacebuilding across Plateau State and unveiling a Knowledge Management Framework alongside a Strategic Communication Strategy aimed at strengthening sustainable peace.
The anniversary event, held at Odilins Event Center in Jos, brought together government officials, peacebuilding practitioners, civil society organisations, development partners and security agencies to reflect on progress made and renew commitments to lasting peace.
A Decade of Institutionalised Peacebuilding
In her opening remarks, the Director-General of PSPBA, Julie Sanda, described the agency’s establishment in 2016 as a bold step to institutionalise peacebuilding and shift responses from reactive crisis management to preventive, coordinated and system-driven interventions.
She noted that the agency has built trust across communities through mediation, early warning and response systems, and inclusive engagement with traditional rulers, faith leaders, security institutions, civil society groups, youths, women and persons with disabilities.
“The development of our knowledge management framework marks a significant milestone. It ensures lessons are documented, evidence informs action, institutional memory is preserved, and narratives are responsibly managed,” she said.
Justice and Professionalism Key to Sustainable Peace
Delivering the keynote address, Chris Kwaja, Special Envoy to the Governor on Peace and Security, praised the foresight behind establishing the agency and described it as a proactive foundation for institutionalised peacebuilding.
Speaking on the theme “A Decade of Building Peace Together: Learning, Institutional Memory and Sustaining Peace for the Future,” he stressed that peacebuilding must be insulated from politics, security agencies must remain professional and non-partisan, and justice must remain central to reconciliation efforts.
“Everyone is crying out for peace, but no one is crying for justice,” he remarked, noting that unresolved injustice and trauma often sustain conflict.
He also called for institutional independence, predictable funding and stronger engagement with local actors to sustain peace efforts.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
Plateau State Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, described the anniversary as a historic milestone, noting that the creation of the agency recognised peace as a deliberate process requiring structure, coordination and sustained commitment.
She said the agency has become a model for sub-national peace architecture in Nigeria and beyond, while reaffirming government commitment to social cohesion, inclusive governance and security.
The Deputy Governor unveiled the 10th anniversary logo, describing it as a symbol of continuity, resilience, unity and hope for a more peaceful Plateau State.
Stakeholders Highlight Progress, Future Tasks
Stakeholders commended the agency’s achievements while stressing the need for continued efforts. Speakers, including Davidson Malison and Salis Mohammed Abdulsalam, emphasised that peace must be rooted in justice, community engagement, fairness, interfaith coexistence and equal opportunities.
Goodwill messages were delivered by several stakeholders, including Bali Nanmak, Suzan Ogbu, Navy Commodore M.A. Fana, Philomina Haggai and Olivia Dazyam, all praising the agency’s contributions to peace, security and inclusive development.
Cultural Performances Add Creative Dimension
The celebration featured the unveiling of the anniversary logo, ceremonial cake cutting, and artistic presentations including a drama performance by Griot of Hope and spoken word renditions by Peace Parrot and Boda Sati.
In his vote of thanks, PSPBA Director of Administration, Elkanah Izam, commended the agency’s decade-long impact, noting that its work has demonstrated that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of dialogue, dignity and opportunity.
He thanked staff, volunteers, partners and government for their support and urged continued collaboration toward building sustainable peace.
Observers say the anniversary and launch of new institutional tools mark a significant step toward strengthening coordinated peacebuilding and ensuring long-term stability in Plateau State.
