At the Maiden edition of the Plateau Peace Architecture Forum with the theme “strengthening the Coordination and Decentralization Roles of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency at the State and Local Government Levels” organized by the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA) which brought together Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Security Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, Security Agencies, political Leaders, Women/Youth Groups, Leaders of Tribal Groups and Journalists, stakeholders have advocated for more funding to the agency for effective decentralization to be attained as well as attaining its mandate.

The Director General of the Agency, Mr. Joseph Lengmang in his address revealed that the mandate of the agency which is working towards achieving peace in the State can only be attained if all critical stakeholders agree to come together in unity to pursue peace.

He posited that the agency was established with a mandate to employ the proactive approach to peace building which is a complete departure from reactive approach that was obtainable in the past which has not yielded positive result.

Mr. Lengmang said the agency is decentralizing the previously city-based discussions, starting with the Plateau Peace Architecture Forum, to ensure “proper coordination of the players working in the Plateau State peace building arena”

He said the decentralization idea is imperative considering how vital institutionalizing conflict prevention and peace building beyond the State capital are.

He hinted that the agency will continue to work with people at all levels in order to build peace.

He posited that though armed securities are vital, working closely with conflict parties in local communities in a systematic fashion will produce desired results.

“This underscores the importance of shifting focus and attention to building or strengthening localized and highly inclusive peace building structures, where stakeholders at the grassroots take ownership as opposed to placing premium on mere adhoc security arrangements”

Mr. Lengmang charged the people to work collectively to decimate the acrimony, hatred, consternation and distrust that are adversely affecting the peace building efforts in the State.

The Plateau Peace Architecture Forum is expected to expand to every local government area in the State, involving local community stakeholders.

Those who spoke lauded the initiative and said robust engagement with Traditional Rulers, Development Associations, youth/women groups and religious organizations is key in the decentralization of the roles of the peace building agency beyond the State Capital.

They disclosed that the funding component of the decentralization of the Plateau Peace Building Agency should be critically looked into and addressed.

They harped on the need to implement the rich ideas and contributions made.

Women who spoke described Women as key instruments to peace building.

They called for more inclusion of Women in the governance process and peace building efforts.

The event featured a panel discussion on theme where participants made submissions on ways to achieve enduring and sustainable peace in the State.

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Plateau Peace Agency Bring Stakeholders Across the State Together in its Peace Building Efforts, Stakeholders Call for Support to Agency