From Gyang Bere, Jos
The Director General of Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), Mr Joseph Lengmang, has expressed strong support to partner with the media and personalities from the creative industry in the promotion of peaceful co-existence in the state.
He noted that without the support of the media, the agency wouldn’t have achieved the current milestone it has recorded since it was conceptualized six years ago.
Lengmang disclosed this on Tuesday during a media engagement with the media and men from the creative industry in Plateau State, held at the Agency headquarters in Jos.
Represented by the Director of Administration, Gayi Timothy Gayi said mediation and dialogue remain a veritable tool the agency has adopted over the years in the search for lasting peace in rural communities.
He said through dialogue, people from the warring communities across the state have embraced each other to build confidence among themselves for an enduring peace.
The information officer, Kenneth Dakop who gave an overview of the agency’s engagement with communities said the systematic dialogue has been used in proffering community-driven solutions to the violent attacks.
He explained that the agency in collaboration with Plateau Inter-Religious Council has facilitated mediation that culminated in the signing of an expression of commitment to peace and peaceful co-existence agreement between the Irigwe ad Fulani in Bassa Local Government Area.
He noted that a series of programmes including theatre for change and drama has also been adopted as a catalyst to resolving the prolonged violent attacks.
Dakop said the agency has adopted an implementation strategy which includes decentralization of their activities to include monthly Community Peace Architecture Forum (CPAF) and Community Participatory Theatre otherwise known as Theatre for change.
He said that the agency has carried out mediation and dialogue programmes in Bokkos, Shendam, and Riyom, among other local government areas in the state, to strengthen peaceful co-existence among citizens.
He admonished personalities from the creative industry who are anchors of one radio programme and the other to preach peace during their respective programmes to deepen peace in the state.