By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Taraba Independent Peace Committee on Saturday called on the people of the state and beyond, to embrace peace and inclusiveness in line with the theme of the 2024 World Peace Day, “Cultivating the Culture of Peace and Inclusiveness.”
This is contained in a statement released in Jalingo and signed by the Chairman, Professor Talla Ngarka, and the Secretary, Mr Justin Tyopuusu, and made available to journalists.
The statement called on residents to actively promote peaceful co-existence and inclusivity to foster a healthy and prosperous society.
The statement read partly, “Peace and inclusiveness are essential pillars for societal development and well-being. There is therefore, the need for mutual understanding and cooperation among all ethnic and religious groups in the state to achieve lasting peace.
“In the face of rising insecurity and social unrest in various parts of Nigeria, it is crucial that the people of Taraba stand together and work towards a peaceful and inclusive environment.”
While stressing the importance of community efforts in resolving conflicts and fostering unity, the Committee called on traditional leaders, religious groups, and community-based organizations to play active roles in promoting dialogue and understanding among their followers.
“A peaceful society is built on the collective efforts of its people, and we must all take responsibility for promoting unity in diversity.
“As a committee we commend the efforts of The Kukah Centre, UNESCO and other non-governmental organizations and international bodies in their peacebuilding initiatives across Taraba State.
“We also recognise the tireless work of organisations such as ‘Search for Common Ground’ in enhancing peaceful co-existence, and we call for more support to continue this vital work,” the statement noted.
The committee which lauded the efforts of the state government in including youth in governance, urged young people to reject violence and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts, adding that the future of Taraba depends on the commitment of its younger generation to champion the values of peace, inclusiveness, and tolerance.
“Our youth must lead the way in cultivating a culture of peace. We must equip them with the right mindset to foster harmony in their communities.
“Women are also crucial agents of peace, and we must ensure that their voices are heard and respected in all efforts to build a more inclusive society.
“Moving forward, we are committed to working with all stakeholders to foster peace across the state. Some of our plans include public awareness campaigns, workshops, and town hall meetings to educate the populace on the importance of peace and inclusiveness.
“We urge all Tarabans to join hands in cultivating a culture of peace, which is the foundation for a healthy and prosperous society. We all need peace which is not just the absence of conflict but the state of mind and a way of life that we must all strive to nurture,” the group added.
