Women seek lasting peace in Plateau
Able-bodied and disabled women from different religious and ethnic backgrounds in Plateau State gathered in Jos, the State capital, to brainstorm on ways of improving on the prevailing fragile peace in the State.
The women under the aegis of Women Peace and Security Network, WPSN, while commemorating this year’s World Peace Day with the support of Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme, NSRP, said they need to take the initiative as they are one of the vulnerable groups who suffer most during crises.
The women, who came out in numbers, also called on government and residents of the state not to relent in working for the return of lasting peace in the State.
Addressing the women, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Sarah Yusuf, reminded them that peace is an essential ingredient for development, hence the need for them to continue working for peace.
The Commissioner, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Administration, Mrs. Benedicta Attah, reiterated that the State government will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to achieve lasting peace in the State.
According to her: “This event has to do with peace; every one needs peace in Plateau; in Nigeria, we need peace. Without peace, nothing meaningful will happen and no tangible development will be seen.
“Women, children and the disabled are the most vulnerable during violence. To ensure lasting peace, the Plateau State government through this Ministry will continue to support and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure lasting peace is restored in the State.”
Also, the Secretary, WPSN Steering Committee, Mrs. Tamwakat Golit, stated thus: “The International Peace Day is set aside by the United Nations and this year has the theme, ‘The Right to Peace’. Because all of us are entitle to peace to enable us enjoy our rights, WPSN is ready to work for the restoration of lasting peace in the State.”
She appealed to citizens, especially the women and youths to continue to play positive roles in their little corner to ensure that lasting peace returns to the State.
However, the Programme Officer of NSRP, Mr. Fagbite Bamidele in a goodwill message noted that everyone is now crying for peace not only in Plateau State and Nigeria but in the whole world due to increased rate of violence.
He stressed: “Plateau people should not relaxe because we are having the peace of the graveyard; we have to be on guard and intensify efforts towards ensuring that we do not go back to the dark days.”
Bamidele further called for the involvement of girls and women in security meetings so that they can wake up to the challenges of insecurity and learn the skills of protecting themselves in the case of attack. Meanwhile, a symbolic tree for peace was planted in the premises of the Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development to commemorate the day and different women who spoke at the event reiterated their resolve to continue to work for peace in the State.
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