The Jos South Local Government Council on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, officially launched its Local Action Plan (LAP) on Women, Peace and Security (2026–2030) and inaugurated a Local Implementation Group (LIG) to drive its execution.
The event, held at the Jos South LGA Secretariat in Bukuru, was facilitated by the Women for Positive Peacebuilding Initiative (WOPPI) in partnership with the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRiNG), with support from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO).
Speaking at the launch, WOPPI Executive Director, Lantana Abdullahi, described the development of the action plan as a historic step toward promoting inclusive peacebuilding at the grassroots. She noted that the document provides a framework for tracking progress, reporting outcomes, and strengthening women’s participation in peace and security efforts within the local government.
Abdullahi emphasized that the plan aligns with both the Plateau State and national action plans on Women, Peace and Security, adding that it reflects a grassroots-driven approach to ensuring inclusivity across cultural, religious, and social divides.
A representative of the British High Commission in Abuja, Nina Mason, said the initiative is part of broader global efforts to advance women’s role in governance and peacebuilding. She stressed that women’s participation is essential, not optional, noting that peace processes are more effective and sustainable when women are actively involved.
Delivering the keynote address, Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Olivia Dazyam, commended international partners for supporting the initiative despite the state’s security challenges. She said the action plan would help operationalize the ideals of United Nations Resolution 1325, which advocates for women’s inclusion in peace processes.
Dazyam noted that sustainable peace and development cannot be achieved without women’s participation, adding that the newly launched plan outlines key pillars such as protection of women’s rights, emergency response mechanisms, and collaboration between government departments and community stakeholders.
Also speaking, Deputy Team Lead of SPRiNG, Priscilla Anku, said the initiative aims to domesticate national and state policies at the grassroots level. She stressed that beyond launching the document, emphasis must be placed on implementation, describing the plan as a “living document” expected to transform communities and increase women’s involvement in decision-making.
Representing the Da Gwom Rwei of Jos South, Da Yohanna Pam, commended the organizers for raising awareness on the importance of women in peacebuilding. He called for sustained support and respect for women, noting their critical role in families and communities.
In her remarks, Ngo Kachollom Lucy Micheal, Deputy Chairman Jos South Local Government Council Representing the Jos South Council Chairman commended the initiative stating that it will go a long way to actively engage rural women in peace and security activities. She assured the support of the local government to the actualization of the actives as contained in the newly launched document.
The event also featured the inauguration of the Local Implementation Group, which is expected to provide leadership, coordination, and accountability in executing the action plan across Jos South.
The Jos South LAP (2026–2030) is designed to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding, governance, and conflict resolution, while ensuring that policies on gender inclusion translate into tangible outcomes at the community level.