The Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PSPBA) has celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of institutionalized peacebuilding across Plateau State.
The achievement also featured the launch of the agency’s Knowledge Management Framework and Strategic Communication Strategy, aimed at strengthening sustainable peace through structured learning and effective public engagement.
The event, held at the Odilins Event Center in Jos, brought together government officials, peacebuilders, civil society organizations, development partners, and security agencies.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Julie Sanda, Director-General of PSPBA, reflected on the agency’s journey, describing its establishment in 2016 as a bold step to institutionalize peacebuilding.
She explained that the move shifted peace efforts from emergency reactions to preventive, coordinated, and system-driven approaches, ensuring stability across communities.
“The development of our knowledge management framework and application strategy marks a significant milestone in institutional building. These tools ensure that lessons are documented, evidence-reformed action, institutional memory is preserved, and narratives are responsibly managed.”
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Chris Kwaja, Special Envoy to the Plateau State Governor on Peace and Security, commended the government for its foresight in establishing PSPBA.
He noted that peacebuilding must remain insulated from politics, justice must be central, and security agencies must act professionally and non-partisan.
“Everyone is crying out for peace but no one is crying for justice.”
Looking ahead, Prof. Kwaja outlined reflections for the agency’s future, including the need for institutional independence, predictable funding, stronger engagement with local actors, and strategic coordination between governance, security, and justice systems to sustain peace in Plateau State.
Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo described the 10th anniversary as a historic milestone, emphasizing that peace is deliberate and must be structured, nurtured, coordinated, and sustained.
She noted that despite past challenges, Plateau State has continued to move toward stability and reconciliation through collective effort and resilient leadership.
The Deputy Governor also unveiled the 10th anniversary logo, symbolizing continuity, resilience, unity, and hope for a more peaceful Plateau State.
Feedback from stakeholders, including Davidson Malison and Salis Mohammed Abdulsalam, reflected appreciation for the progress made and stressed that peace must be rooted in justice, community engagement, and strong institutions.
The event included artistic presentations, such as a drama performance by Griot of Hope and a spoken word rendition by Peace Parrot, Boda Sati, alongside a ceremonial cake cutting.
Goodwill messages were received from stakeholders, including Mr. Bali Nanmak, Mrs. Suzan Ogbu, Navy Commodore M.A Fana, Mrs. Helen Haggai, and Barr. Olivia Dazyam, all commending PSPBA for its decade-long contributions.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Elkanah Izam, Director of Administration at PSPBA, praised the agency’s efforts in turning the belief that “peace is not merely an absence of conflict but the presence of dialogue, dignity, and opportunities” into action, while calling for continued commitment to building sustainable peace.
