Operation Safe Haven, GOPRI Organizes Summit for Youth Leaders and Social Media Influencers in Plateau State

The Special Taskforce codenamed “Operation Safe Haven” in partnership with Global Peace & Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI) has organized a Summit for Youth Leaders and Social Media Influencers in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.

The event which held at Valada Hotel Old GRA Jos brought together Youth Leaders and Social Media Influencers from Plateau State and Southern Kaduna with the theme “Lasting Peace is possible” was aimed at harnessing Social Media Potentials for building peace Architecture and Community Resilience Forum.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of GOPRI, Amb. Melvin Ejeh said propagation of peace should be the core mandate of all Nigerians irrespective of affiliations.
He posited that peace and security remain cardinal to all. He said violence does not benefit, rather it destroys and cause distrust and suspicion.
Amb. Melvin disclosed that the roles of Youth Leaders and Social Media Influencers to peace building cannot be overemphasized and urged the delegates to be opened and sincere in the discussion.

The State Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. CC Okonkwo called on the youths to acquire the necessary skills and develop themselves to remain relevant and for future leadership.

Gen. Okonkwo called on the youths to put their potentials, gifts and talents into proper use for the collective interest of the society and not allow themselves to be used for violence. He reiterated the commitment of Operation Safe Haven to eradicating crime and enhancing a more peaceful, safe & secured society.

He admonished the participants not to allow themselves to be used to perpetuate violence, desist from incitive, biased and unbalanced posts. He challenged them to concentrate on unity and promotion of peace for a better society. He said using the social media to misinform the public is detrimental to peace efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, the Permanent Secretary Cabinet & Special Services, Mr. Cornelius Sholbuel lauded Operation Safe Haven and GOPRI for the initiative of kick starting strategic interface geared towards peace building and their efforts in handling security challenges in the State.
Mr. Cornelius said negative information are destructive urging the participants to ensure they always report what is right to enhance peace.

There were paper presentations by experts in information management, peace and conflict resolution.

The Occasion celebrated the Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, with an award as Captain Of Peace, justice, Equity and Good Governance in Plateau State and Nigeria. The Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General CC Okonkwo was awarded as an Icon Of Peace, Human Rights and Good Governance. Other security Actors in the State were also recognized for their active roles in promoting peace in Nigeria and were certificates were presented to participants at the end of the Summit.