DG Research, Laud NGO Over Crisis Management
The Plateau State Director General, Research and Planing Professor John Wade has commended the efforts of Non Governmental Organizations, NGOs in partnering with state government and security agencies to over come security challenges in the state.
Wade, stated this at the 8th Peace Architecture Dialogue, (PAD) and State Conflict Management Alliance (SCMA), meeting held at the Cabinet office Plateau State Secretariat in Jos.
The event which was organized by Search For Common Ground, an EU funded NGO, in collaboration with the state government, was to give an update on the current security situation in the state as well as review the implementation of the action points from the previous meetings so as to ensure that all decisions reached does not end as talk show.
Speaking on the topic, “the role of non-state actors in supporting the five pillar policy of the Plateau State Government”, the Director General, Research and Planning, expressed the need for Non-governmental organizations to synergize with government towards obtaining a sustainable peace on the Plateau that will further forster the realization of the five point agenda.
He said government of Hon. Simon Bako Lalong which is anchored on “Rescue agenda” is desired to make a difference in the peace management, infrastructure development, and address unemployment as well as implement policies that would better the lot of the people.
He said government is determined to turn around the economic profile in the state and to make it self sustenance by also exploring the agricultural sector as well as explore the abundant mineral resources in the state.
Prof. Wade also, attributed to the relative peace being enjoyed in the state to government intervention in the face off between the Beroms and the fulanis over land encroachment and cow theft.
according to him, government has compelled the two warring group to sign an accord that they would no longer do those things that ignites crisis among them.
He promised that government will continue to encourage non-state actors, like the NGOs, the Press and the security agencies to create an enabling environment for them to contribute their quota in the development of the state.
He urged the NGO’s to sustain the dialogue while challenging government to rise up to its responsibilities when the need arise.
Present at the meeting were representatives of the Displaced Women and Children Foundation, Islamic Counseling Initiative, Voice of the Girl-child, Country Women Association of Nigeria and the Plateau Peace movement international.
Similarly, other organizations present include GIZ, Inter-gender, Intercep, inclusive friends, CAJR, ACEAM Foundation, UN Women, Wiscod and Simji Girl Child Education employment, as well as representatives of the STF, Police, DSS, Civil defense among others.
