The Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN) on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, held the grand finale of its week-long International Peace Day commemoration, themed “The Time for Peace is Now: Different Voices, One People.” The event featured the unveiling of the second edition of the Peace Journal, a policy brief, the launch of a Peace Podcast, fellowship awards, cultural presentations, and goodwill messages from dignitaries and partners.
Delivering his keynote address, Nanmak D. Bali, Chairman of PPPN, said the expanded celebration was intentional, to create lasting impact.
“International Peace Day is not just a date on the calendar. This year, we deliberately made it a week-long commemoration, with radio and television programs, a Peace Walk, a novelty match, interfaith prayers, documentary projects, and today’s fellowship awards. These awards honor individuals and traditional leaders who have consistently advanced peace efforts on the Plateau. We also recognize Reverend Father Patrick Lebo posthumously, and appreciate the tireless commitment of the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency and partners like SPRiNG who have supported us in logistics, research, and activities,” Bali said.
Bali stressed that peacebuilding is a continuous journey requiring commitment from all.
“Peace is possible, practical, and it begins with each of us. Together, we can build the Plateau—and Nigeria—we dream of,” he concluded.
Speaking on behalf of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammad Sambo Haruna, Emir of Wase, the District Head of Wase North, Mustapha Umar Galaclina, emphasized the role of traditional and religious leaders, youths, and stakeholders in sustaining peace.
“Wase has endured violent conflicts, yet our determination for peace remains strong. We must channel the vibrancy of our youths into unity, not crisis. Let us spread the gospel of peace and pray that Allah grants our state stability,” he urged.
From the donor community, Mujidang Sitdang, Regional Manager of the SPRiNG Program in North Central Nigeria, described PPPN as a vital partner in advancing grassroots peace initiatives.
“SPRING works in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Katsina through grants, research, and capacity building. In Plateau, we supported symbolic activities like tree planting in Rafiki and a female football match promoting unity. Most importantly, we are proud to back the second edition of the Peace Journal, which documents the voices and resilience of peacebuilders,” Sitdang said.
Hon. Peter Kanang Gwon, Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Michael Dogo, encouraged youths to reject violence and embrace innovation.
“Even a newborn child cries for peace. You, the youth, are the leaders of tomorrow, but that leadership begins with your choices today. Reject crime and use your creativity for peace and development,” he urged.
Dr. Julie Sanda, Director-General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), commended PPPN’s consistency and youth engagement.
“Peace cannot be left to one institution. It requires synergy among government, civil society, faith actors, and grassroots organizations. I am delighted that young people are at the center of this year’s commemoration, because they are the future of peacebuilding,” she said.
In his keynote lecture, Dr. Emmanuel Ande, member of the PPPN Advisory Board, reflected on the theme, stressing that unity and diversity must go hand in hand.
“Unity does not mean uniformity. If there is diversity without unity, we invite anarchy; if there is unity without diversity, we risk tyranny. We must embrace differences and make inclusion a priority in peacebuilding and policy-making,” he said. 
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the second edition of the Peace Journal and a policy brief, conducted by PPPN Advisory Board Member, Dr. Charles Dickson. He urged participants to embrace identity and inclusion in peacebuilding, especially the role of women.
“Peace is not about sameness; it is about allowing differences to exist without destroying each other. Women must also shape the peace conversation. Without inclusion, peace will remain incomplete,” he stated.
HRH Yakubu Chaimang, Ata Aten of Ganawuri, blessed the Peace Journal during its unveiling, urging the people to link peace to development.
David Bouro, PPPN’s Director of Communication and Publicity, introduced the Peace Podcast, documenting experiences from the 2001 Plateau crisis to present.
“This podcast preserves memories, amplifies different perspectives, and serves as a guide for the younger generation, who now make up over 80 percent of those engaged in peacebuilding,” he explained.
The grand finale also featured spoken word by Decipher Joseph Limen, saxophone performance by Sam Sax, and a cultural dance that echoed the vision of a peaceful Plateau.
The program concluded with the presentation of Peace Fellowship Awards to individuals and traditional leaders, including a posthumous honor to the late Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, received by his family.
The week-long celebration reaffirmed PPPN’s commitment to building bridges, amplifying diverse voices, and sustaining peace on the Plateau and beyond.