The British High Commission has reiterated its commitment to fostering peace and unity in Taraba State through ongoing support for peace-building initiatives.

During a training session in Jalingo over the weekend for community leaders from Wukari, Takum, and Ussa Local Government Councils, the Commission’s Human Rights Officer, David Snelling, stressed the importance of sustainable peace and religious tolerance.

The training, part of Project Zaman-Lafiya, Taraba, as observed by The Guardian, is being implemented by the Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation with support from the British High Commission.

Snelling commended the community leaders for their commitment to peace advocacy and assured them of continued support from the Commission.

Also, Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam called on Nigerian authorities to allocate dedicated funding for peace-building efforts instead of relying on foreign aid.

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“We can’t keep depending on foreign donations for peace initiatives. It’s high time the state and federal governments invest more in peace-building. Additionally, technocrats and philanthropists across the country must also set aside funds for peace efforts,” he urged.

Stakeholders from the three aforementioned councils who spoke with The Guardian said the project’s introduction to the southern part of the state has significantly reduced incessant communal and religious crises in the region.

According to them, the foundation has made it possible for various tribes and religious groups to set aside their differences and embrace unity for the development of the councils, the region, and the state at large.

Project Zaman-Lafiya Taraba, launched in September 2024, is expected to run until February 2025.