From Asile Emmanuel, Jos
The Plateau state government has commended the efforts of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in partnering with government and security agencies to overcome security challenges in the state.
Director General, Research and Planning in the Governor Office, Prof. John Wade, showered these compliments on the groups at the 8th Peace Architecture Dialogue, (PAD) and State Conflict Management Alliance (SCMA) meeting held at the cabinet office the J D Gomwalk Secretariat in Jos.
The event, which was organised by Search For Common Ground, a European Union (EU)-funded NGO in collaboration with the state government and the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation, was to give an update on the current security situation in the state as well as review the implementation of the action points from the previous meetings so as to ensure that all decisions reached does not end as talk show.
Speaking on the topic, “The role of non-state actors in supporting the five-pillar policy of the Plateau State government”, Prof Wade expressed the need for NGOs to synergise with government towards achieving their common aspiration.
He said Governor Simon Bako Lalong’s peace initiative which is encapsulated in his “Rescue Agenda” aimed to make a difference in the peace management, infrastructure development, and address unemployment as well as better the lot of the people.
He said government was determined to turn around the state’s economy and make it self-sustaining by revitalising the agricultural sector and exploring the mineral resources found in the state.
Wade attributed the relative peace being enjoyed in the state to the government intervention in the face off that had lingered between the Berom and the Fulani over land encroachment and cow theft.
According to him, government has compelled the warring groups to sign an accord: “The Fulani agreed that they will no longer enter Berom farms and destroy their crops while the Berom too vowed that they will no longer poison grasses for Fulani cattle to eat and die and these development had lead us to where we are today, enjoying relative peace”.
He promised that government will continue to encourage non-state actors, like the NGOs, the Press and the security agencies in creating an enabling environment for them to contribute their quota in the development of the state.
He urged the gathering to follow up on the dialogue and challenge government to rise up to its responsibilities when the need arise.
Present at the meeting were representatives of the Displaced women and children foundation, Islamic counselling initiative, City of Refuge Friend’s Club, CEPAN, Voice of the Girl-child, Country Women Association of Nigeria and the Plateau Peace Movement International.
Others are GIZ, Inter-gender, Intercep, Inclusive friends, CAJR, ACEAM Foundation, UN Women, Wiscod and Simji Girl Child Education Employment as well as representatives of the STF, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence, among others.
Leave a Reply