It was an educative, informative and interactive moment as Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI) and Plateau Intelligentsia Development Initiative brought youths across Plateau State physically and virtually to brainstorm and chart a new course.

The event with the theme “towards a peaceful and prosperous Plateau” saw Dr. Chris Kwaja, a Public Affairs Analyst, Security Expert and Senior Researcher at the Centre for Peace & Security Studies MAUTUTECH Yola, Adamawa State made a paper presentation on the topic “the role of good governance in promoting peace, while Dr. Kingsley Madueke, a Conflict Management and Peace Expert of the prestigious University of Jos presenting on the topic ” understanding the rudiments of Peace & Social Prosperity.

The Executive Director of GOPRI, Amb. Melvin Ejeh and his Counterpart the Chairman of Plateau Intelligentsia disclosed that the essence of the initiative is to interact and come up with ways that will bring about a turnaround in the engagement of young persons in the governance process and key policy making as well as their critical roles in peace building. They said Plateau State is a pace Setter. They said the youths are national assets and should be given greater attention through strategic human capital development to reduce unemployment which has exposed many youths to crimes.
Amb. Melvin posited that the youth must build their capacity, develop themselves for service.

Dr. Kwaja in his presentation said no meaningful development can be achieved without peace and said youths have great roles to play in achieving lasting peace.
He charged the youths to unite irrespective of ethnic, religious, regional and political inclination in order to turnaround the future of the State.

Dr. Kingsley Madueke advocated for the inculcation of traditional and local methodologies with youths, women and traditional rulers to make headway in peace building against western nations templates being used.
He said “joking relationship” among the various ethnic groups in the State have vital roles to play in fostering and promoting peace and unity.

The event also featured panel discussion even as Victor Meshak thrilled participants with thought-provoking spoken word.

In his submission, the Management Committee Chairman of Riyom LGC, Hon. Mafeng Gwallson said there is need for young people in strategic positions up the ladder where key decisions are made.
Hon. Gwallson also hinted that Protest is a way of participating in politics. He said it is an advocacy and a call to the Government.

Goodwill message came from the representative of the Commander Operation Safe Haven, DCP Emmanuel Ado who is also the Deputy Commander OPSH charged the youths on peaceful coexistence as well as the need to develop themselves to remain relevant and useful to themselves and the society. He reiterate the commitment of Operation Safe Haven to fight crime and restore peace in the State. He said they have zero tolerance to crime.

Representative of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Prof. John Wade, Plateau State Director of Research, Planning and Documentation lauded the initiative of the Plateau Youth Dialogue admonished the youths to be agents of peace and continue to contribute the quota to nation building.

Participants lauded the efforts of GOPRI and PI for bringing them under one roof to discuss issues affecting them and learn from Experts. They urged the organizers to sustain the initiative.

The event which held at Eliel Centre Rayfield Jos was well attended by heads of security agencies in the State, youths, women, Association Leaders and persons living with disabilities.

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GOPRI/Plateau Intelligentsia Brings Youth Together to Chart a New Course