In order to coexist peacefully, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong urged his constituents on Wednesday to adopt the Rwandan model of reconciliation.
He also expressed a sincere wish to leave behind a peaceful state and pledged to do everything in his power to maintain it.
Lalong made this statement at a gathering held in Jos, the state capital, to honor the 2022 International Day of Peace, which was organized by the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA).
End Racism, Build Peace is the topic of the 2022 International Day of Peace, and “Fostering Social Cohesion and Mutual Understanding for Sustainable Peace in Plateau: The Role of Community” is the subtheme.
The governor, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dan Manjang, referred to the Hutu-Tutsi conflict in Rwanda, which killed approximately a million lives, but which ended with both groups agreeing to leave as Rwandans while recognizing their differences.
“I want to make a plea to the people of Plateau State to follow the example of Rwanda, a nation that had a bloody conflict but now coexists happily.
“We will take all necessary measures to protect the Plateau’s residents because only complete peace will allow us to advance.
“We will use all of the resources at our disposal to make sure that all areas of the state experience enduring peace.
In order to ensure that there is peace on all levels, he stated, “the establishment of the peace building agency is part of our efforts.”
Lalong praised the media and security personnel for their tireless efforts to bring about the state’s current condition of relative tranquility.
“I want to appeal to Plateau inhabitants to assist and work with government and security personnel to achieve a peaceful state.
Director General of PPBA, Mr. Joseph Lengmang, stated earlier in his welcoming speech that the event was organized to reflect on the significance of the day, which was designated by the United Nations to honor the peace operations in the state.
According to Lengmang, the event was planned in conjunction with its partners.
The DG outlined how the occasion had allowed state peace practitioners and other stakeholders to exchange experiences.
Co-Chairman of the Plateau Inter-Religious Council also spoke.
In order to coexist harmoniously, Prof. Pandang Yamsat urged state inhabitants to be “tolerant, patient, and respectful” of other people’s values.
Yamsat asked groups of people to get together and identify principles that would foster harmony and coexistence in society.
The delegates of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Gbong Gwom Jos, Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Commissioner of Police, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and others also expressed greetings.
