Women and youth have taken the front seat in advancing peace and unity in Plateau State as the world marked the 2025 International Day of Peace.
To commemorate the day, the Plateau State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the Dialogue, Reconciliation and Peace Centre (DREP), organized a Peace Summit in Jos with the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World: Women and Youth Leading the Way.”
The summit created a platform for dialogue and collaboration, highlighting the importance of women and young people in fostering peaceful communities across Plateau State and beyond.
In his welcome remarks, Sunday Dombin, Director of Research, Planning and Documentation, expressed delight that women are beginning to speak up for themselves. He called on participants to address issues affecting women and youth with courage and commitment.
Dombin further urged them to “speak, celebrate, and engage in meaningful discussions for peace,” wishing all present a successful celebration and God’s protection.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Panglang Dafur, represented by Hon. Jiritmwa Goyit, described the theme as a strong call to action that reflects the realities of today’s world.
She observed that global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and conflict demand collective efforts, noting that in the past, peace processes were dominated by men, sidelining women.
“The Honourable Commissioner asked that I inform women here that you are critical partners in the effort to bring peace to our homes, our community, our society, and the nation at large,” Goyit said. She urged participants to spread the knowledge gained to their families and communities and become ambassadors of peace.
The summit featured two panel sessions. The first, “Women as Peacebuilders – Breaking Barriers,” brought together Rev. Agwom Bliss, Sunday Dombin, Prof. Ruth Reuben, and Maureen Dakim, with Rejoice Shammah as moderator. It examined how women can overcome barriers to transform conflict into peace.
The second panel, “Youth as Change Agents (Voices of the Future),” featured Matthew Tegha, Ali Ali, Lekur Patience Naanzem, and Aisha Mohammed Kabiru, also moderated by Rejoice Shammah. The session underscored the power of young people in shaping the future and driving peace and social transformation.
In his goodwill message, Mujidang Sitdang, Regional Programme Manager of Tetra Tech (North Central), expressed delight at partnering with stakeholders to mark the day. He said, “True progress can only be achieved through practical commitment to peaceful coexistence.”
Partcipants echoed the same call. Ali Ali, Acting State Coordinator of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO), described the summit as vital for restoring peace in Plateau, stressing that “since youths are the driving force of society, their active participation alongside women will create a lasting and positive impact.”
Mental health advocate, Folafoluwa Asabi, called the summit timely for Plateau State. She urged women to support one another, embrace self-love, promote mental health awareness, and draw inspiration from figures like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to rise as powerful agents of peace and development.
Closing the event, Jeremiah Bulus Gode, Programme Manager of DREP, thanked participants, speakers, and volunteers for making the celebration a success. He also appreciated Tetra Tech for its support, stressing that the insights shared would strengthen ongoing efforts to promote peace and unity.
