By Israel Joel
Plateau State Peace Building Agency (PPBA) on Tuesday urged journalists to use their various platforms to promote peaceful co-existence in the state and beyond.
Director-General of the agency Mr. Joseph Lengmang stated this during an interactive session with journalists in Jos In commemoration of the 2021 International Peace Day.
Lengmang, who acknowledged the key role played by media practitioners toward promoting peace in the state, urged for more.
He attributed the relative peace currently being enjoyed in the state to the critical roles of journalists, adding that more needs to be done.
The Director-General added that the agency through the media was able to get some early warning signs that have helped in nipping in the bud some situations that could have led to violent conflicts in the state.
“We have put this event together as part of the celebration to mark this year’s international peace day; a day set aside by the United Nations (UN) to celebrate peace. We have decided to specially celebrate this day with the media because you are critical stakeholders in peace the building process.
He said the media plays a key role in promoting peace anywhere in the world, which underscores the importance of the commemoration in the State
“We are most grateful to all the journalists on the Plateau for the support because through your reportage we are able to get some early warning signs.
“The media is a strategic partner toward achieving lasting peace and so we urge you to continue with the good works
“We urge you to continue to use your various platforms to counter fake news, ethnic and religious sentiments, mutual suspicion and promote issues that will entrench lasting peace and harmony in the state,” he urged.
On his part the Commissioner of Information and Communication in the state, Hon. Dan Majang commended journalists for dousing some tensions in the state that could violent conflicts.
He urged reporters in the state to continue to support the government’s efforts toward ending insecurity and promote lasting peace in the state.
“You have been very very supportive; even as we are unable to address some of your challenges, you have stood by the government. So, we want to urge you to continue with the work works so we can have lasting peace in the state,” he urged.
Kano State Govt reiterates commitment to tackle environmental challenges
Also Speaking to the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Chrysantus Ahmadu said that the government has put the necessary laws and policies that would promote unity, peace, and oneness in the state
He, however, said that lasting peace would only be achieved through conscious and deliberate efforts by all, hence the need for the media to work for peace in the state.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Plateau State Chapter Mr. Paul Jatau thanked the agency for putting the event together
We have been doing our best to report Plateau as positively as we can and we will continue to do so. We will do everything we can to promote peace because we also need a good turf to operate,”
He promised to ensure that his members would reports Plateau in a positive light, adding that journalists also need a serene and peaceful environment to operate effectively.
