Youth leaders, government officials, security agencies, peace advocates and development partners have called on young people to take the lead in promoting sustainable peace, economic resilience and community security in Plateau State.
The call was made during the second edition of the Economic, Peace and Security Summit (EPSS 2.0) organised by the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC), Jos North Local Government Area, with the support of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Jos North Local Government Council and the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS). The summit was held at the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos, under the theme: “Youth-Led Solutions for Sustainable Peace, Economic Resilience and Community Security in Jos North LGA and Plateau State.”
Delivering his welcome address, Chairman of the Plateau State Youth Council, Jos North LGA, Amb. Paul Stephen Mancha, described the summit as a platform for honest dialogue, practical solutions and strategic partnerships aimed at securing the future of Jos North through active youth participation.
He noted that although Jos North remains one of Nigeria’s most culturally diverse local government areas, its diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division. He lamented the impact of years of insecurity, economic hardship and communal conflicts, stressing that young people must become architects of peace and development rather than victims of conflict.
Mancha said the summit seeks to move beyond identifying societal challenges by developing community-driven solutions, strengthening collaboration between youths and security agencies, promoting entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and job creation, while encouraging every participant to become an ambassador of peace.
He also commended the Plateau State Government under Governor Caleb Mutfwang for its commitment to peacebuilding, youth inclusion and sustainable development, while appreciating security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and development partners for supporting the initiative.
Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, Hon. John kyoro Christopher, applauded the Youth Council for sustaining the initiative, describing peace as the foundation upon which security and economic prosperity are built.
He described Jos North as the commercial heartbeat of Plateau State and a miniature Nigeria due to its ethnic and cultural diversity, emphasizing the need for residents to embrace peaceful coexistence despite their differences.
According to him, the ongoing redevelopment of the Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Plateau Hotel and other legacy projects by the Plateau State Government will only achieve their intended economic impact in an atmosphere of peace and security.
The council chairman pledged the local government’s readiness to partner with the Youth Council in supporting promising young entrepreneurs through grants and soft loans, while encouraging participants to replicate the lessons learned at the summit within their various communities.
Speaking on the peace component of the summit, Mr. Godwin Okoko, Executive Director of Bege Foundation, urged youths to become active agents of reconciliation and social transformation.
He observed that Plateau State has experienced over two decades of recurring violence which has claimed lives, displaced communities and undermined economic development. Despite these challenges, he maintained that Plateau remains a land of enormous potential and resilience.
Okoko stressed that peace, security and economic development are inseparable, warning that frustration arising from unemployment and exclusion often fuels conflict. He challenged young people to reject violence, misinformation and ethnic or religious intolerance, insisting that the future of Plateau depends largely on the choices made by its youthful population.
He described youths as innovators, entrepreneurs, students, artisans and professionals with the capacity either to unite communities or deepen divisions, urging them to embrace dialogue, cooperation and responsible leadership.
On the security component, a representative of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) encouraged youths to shun criminality, gang activities and every form of violent extremism.
The military representative also advised young people to make responsible use of social media by promoting positive narratives capable of fostering peace rather than spreading misinformation and hate speech.
He further encouraged youths to actively support community policing by providing credible information to security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
Representing the Director-General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Dr. Julie Sanda, Hope Chuwang commended the Plateau State Youth Council for placing peace at the centre of public discourse.
She urged young people to take ownership of the peacebuilding process by promoting social cohesion, building inclusive communities and becoming champions of positive change across Plateau State.
The summit concluded with an interactive panel discussion on peacebuilding and sustainable livelihoods, with participants reaffirming their commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment and community-driven development as pathways to lasting peace and economic prosperity in Jos North and Plateau State.
  