By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding trust and fostering peaceful coexistence, describing peacebuilding as both a moral obligation and an economic necessity.
The assurance was delivered on behalf of Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Ramnap mni, while receiving a delegation from the European Union (EU) and Search for Common Ground. The visitors came to explore deeper collaboration on peace and development initiatives in the state.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation for the EU’s longstanding support for peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria, particularly in Plateau. She acknowledged the heavy toll of recent violence and emphasized the administration’s focus on addressing insecurity through inclusive, community-driven strategies.
“Most of the attacks that have occurred recently have been unprovoked and deeply distressing. Entire families have been wiped out in some cases. This makes the task of rebuilding trust and encouraging peaceful coexistence even more urgent,” she said.
Ramnap highlighted the state’s layered response to insecurity, citing community-led platforms such as Operation Rainbow, the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, and the newly reconstituted Plateau State Advisory Council on Interreligious Harmony.
“Operation Rainbow has been instrumental in complementing conventional security efforts. With their help, we’ve improved early warning systems, shared critical information, and responded faster,” she noted.
Beyond immediate security concerns, she outlined the government’s long-term strategy for sustainable peace through economic empowerment. The state is advancing livestock management via ranching settlements, cultivation of natural grasses, and investments in critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, roads, and water reservoirs.
“This isn’t just about peace, it’s also about creating a thriving economy. When people are meaningfully engaged, they are less likely to resort to violence,” the commissioner added.
The visiting delegation, led by Gift Omoniwa, Acting Country Director of Search for Common Ground, included EU officials Mr. Ruben Alba and Winifred Achu. They were in Plateau to assess the impact of the EU-funded IRENEW project, which promotes interfaith dialogue and youth engagement across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.
Omoniwa commended the state government’s commitment to dialogue, noting the project led to the establishment of the Plateau State Youth Interfaith Forum in partnership with the Peacebuilding Agency. Mr. Alba, the EU’s Team Lead, reiterated the Union’s readiness to support Plateau’s development priorities, particularly in agriculture, ICT, and infrastructure.
Earlier, the Commissioner also received a delegation from the United States, led by Ambassador Dr. Linda Middleton, CEO/Founder of Kaleidoscope Business Project, to discuss investment opportunities in agriculture, education, tourism, and initiatives benefiting women and children.
She said Plateau remains open to partnerships that will deliver innovation, growth, and the dividends of democracy to its people.
