The Wives of Farmers and Herders from Bassa Local Government in Plateau State have been called upon to continue to collaborate and work towards lasting peace within their communities.
This was made known as Bege Foundation, a non Governmental Organization in collaboration with Peace Direct through LEGASI P4P held a round table inter-dialogue roundtable at Bassa Local Government Area with women actors within the community.
Team Lead, Bege Foundation, Mr Kenneth Attah, in his welcoming remarks, stated that the foundation in realization of the essential role women play in bringing peace and harmony in their homes and community at large has held intra-dialogue and is now holding an Inter-dialogue.
While commending the various community members on working for peace, Mr Kenneth further stated that the foundation has lined up series of activities with the community as it was looking to collaborate with more donor partners to do more within the LGA.
“We are engaging with the wives of Farmers and Herders as key actors as they have an overwhelming influence over their husbands and children, we believe that in turn they will talk (stepdown) to their husband and children to further promote peace within their various communities.
“Bege Foundation has brought in key stakeholders in a bid to encourage collaboration within the women so they can build on the existing peace between the Fulani and Irigwe communities in Bassa LGA”. Mr Attah said.
Mr Attah further stated that Bege Foundation has been working with Fulani women and Irigwe Communities in Bassa Local Government for over 3years, He said the foundation has provided a source of electricity to some parts of the community with the installation of a solar energy set, provided starter packs for business within the communities and also facilitated various trainings.
Hon William Wuje, Leader Bassa Legislative Arm in his remarks, stated that the Peace of Bassa Local Government plays a vital role in the overall peace of Plateau State due to its strategic position.
He said the community has longed for a period when there will be collaboration with the two ethnic groups of Fulani and Irigwe in Bassa LGA. He stated that relative peace has returned and urged the women to continue to work towards the overall lasting solution to the security challenges that visited the entire local Government in the past.
Some of the women, including Mrs Anna Timothy, Mrs Fatima Ibrahim, Mrs Zainab Mohammed, Gladys Godiya, Rahamatu Abubakar amongst others, stated that they were full of appreciation for the peace achieved as it has began to regenerate lost relationships, collaboration and development within the community.
They women also said that there was an on going plan to set up a community market which will further encourage more collaboration amongst the tribes.
Also speaking, one of the participants, Mrs Anna Timothy form Irigwe community, said that despite losing her husband during one of the community conflicts in the past, she was glad that peace has returned as she could now communicate with the women from the Fulani community.
Security representatives of the Commissioner of Police and the Operation Safe heaven also urged the Women to continue to train their children with the right attitudes and promptly report any suspicious activity within their various communities without taking sides.
The high point of the round table dialogue was the interactive session where participants freely asked questions and made suggestions in furtherance of the Peace which has been achieved within Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
