Peacebuilding is the responsibility of Everyone-Joseph Lengman

PPBA must be supported to achieve its goal-Shabul

The visit of the Independent Publishers Association, IPA to The Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA) was timely and appropriate considering the renewed breach of peace in the state.

the courtesy visit offers the leadership of IPA and the Management of PPBA to brainstorm on area collaboration in information dissemination that will help promote peaceful coexistence in the state.

During the visits, the Director-General of PPBA Joseph Lengman while reacting to the renewed killings and destruction of properties and farms produce in the state said, the lifelong quest for peaceful cohabitation in Plateau state tasks us all to eschew all kinds of bitterness in our heart regardless of the provocations and face the reality that we must forgive one another if we must forge ahead.

He emphasized, peaceful processes are the obligation of all of us and it is time that all people stakeholders must rise to challenge.

Mr Joseph Lengmang, appreciated the visit by IPA saying that while the agency has many means for information dissemination, collaborating with an association like IPA in the peacebuilding process and peace advocacy is wonderful and boundless.

Lengman noted that the Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA) is an institutional framework established by law to respond to the challenges of peace and security in the state, with the obligation to promote the culture of peace and harmonious coexistence, among the various ethnoreligious divides on the Plateau. 

He noted that PPBA operates through strategic partnerships and collaboration with state and non-state actors, they also coordinate conflict resolution and peacebuilding interventions of stakeholders who work in and around the issues of Peace Building and conflict prevention.

In his part the leader of the Independent Publishers Shabul Mazadu reiterated that peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding, noting that peace remains a goal for introspective individuals.

The chairman IPA noted that darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do drive out darkness.

Shabul applauded the agency’s Director-General and the staff for their untiring efforts over the years in peacebuilding in the state.

Shabul further said the purpose of the courtesy call and interactive session is in line with IPA’s passion in contributing its quota to the peace processes in the state, adding that peace is an indispensable piece of progress and development, therefore, all hands must be on deck to ensure that peaceful coexistence is maintained.

Mazadu also eulogized the wisdom and vision of Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Hon. Simon Lalong in establishing The Plateau State Peace Building Agency.

Amongst the members of the Independent Publishers, that where presence is Mr Shabul Mazadu, the Beacon Newspaper, Prince Valentine Adese, Publisher/CEO of Reality Newspapers, Radio and Television, Pastor Tom Kubua West African Monitor, Mr Danjuma Bali, Evolution Magazine and Walbe Orgak Grassroots Newspaper.