The chairman of the Taraba State Peace Committee, Tella Sunday Ngarka, has called on government institutions at all levels to prioritize peacebuilding and conflict prevention in their policies.
Speaking at the International Day of Peace organized by the Search For Common Ground, (SFCG) on Saturday in Jalingo, Taraba state, he emphasized the need for establishing peace commissions, conflict resolution mechanisms, and social protection programs to address the root causes of conflict.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration between local governments, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations in maintaining peace within communities, he commended civil society groups like Search for Common Ground for their pivotal role in bridging the gap between the government and local communities.
“These leaders play a critical role in advocating for tolerance, dialogue, and reconciliation, and their involvement is essential for fostering a culture of peace.”
Underscoring the influence of religious and traditional leaders over their communities, “these leaders, as custodians of culture and morality are instrumental in promoting peaceful coexistence by championing non-violent conflict resolution and dialogue.”
While stressing the role of the media in shaping public perception, he urged journalists and media outlets to adopt responsible reporting practices that promote peace rather than incite division.
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This, he said, can be achieved by focusing on stories of reconciliation, coexistence, and non-violent conflict resolution, adding that, “the media can serve as a powerful tool for peace.”
The professor who also called for the establishment of community dialogue forums where disputes can be resolved through negotiation and understanding rather than violence, emphasized that dialogue remains one of the most effective tools for resolving conflicts, urging the creation of platforms for contesting parties to find peaceful solutions.
Earlier, the state project coordinator, SFCG, Mr. Dubi Sonam, called for a renewed focus on ensuring equal access to opportunities, justice, and security for all people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.
Stressing the importance of inclusivity, he urged everyone to play a part in fostering peace within their communities.
Sonam, who also emphasized the need for continuous dialogue, even in challenging situations, as a key tool for maintaining peace, encouraged citizens to reflect on their roles in promoting unity.
According to him, “Peacebuilding requires all of us to commit to dialogue and ensure that our youth are taught the values of togetherness and understanding.”
