Gov Lalong Charges Youths As Jos Hosts North Central Peace Building Workshop
BY CHAMBERLAIN ODEY, JOS – A peace building and conflict resolution workshop for youth leaders and other stakeholders in the North Central geo-political zone opened in Jos Monday with Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state challenging Nigerian youths to be agents of positive change.
Governor Lalong it is important for the youths to be active part of the peace agenda as the nation seeks to grow on the path of socio-economic development of the region ad Nigeria at large.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Rufus Bature, therefore charged the youth to maximise the benefits of the workshop by equipping themselves to function meaningfully in the process of sustainable development and growth.
In his remarks, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, said the workshop was packaged by the Ministry to organise and prepare the Youth for leadership responsibilities now and in the future.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Adesola Olusade, said the aim to enhance their understanding of background to issues; and foster cross cultural understanding, especially in relations to
peace building and conflict resolution
The Permanent Secretary noted the peace building and conflict resolution programme of the Ministry is “targeted at enhancing the capacity of young people, community and religious youth leaders among other stakeholders in evolving techniques and strategies for resolving disputes and conflicts without resorting to violence”.
In his goodwill message, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman, Plateau State Traditional Rulers Council, Jacob Gyang Buba, urged the youth to restrain themselves from indulgence in deviant habits and negative behaviours such as drugging, alcoholism, and sundry destructive pastimes.
He challenged them to always strive towards understanding the background and disposition of others, and sometimes sacrifice certain opportunities for peace to thrive in the polity.
Similarly, the National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Dickson Akoh tasked all Nigerians, especially the youths, to always work for peace; sustain peace; and live in peace so that at the end, they will truly Rest in Peace.
Holding at the Leadership Training Institute, Shere Hills, Jos, the three-day event draws representatives of youth
groups in the North Central region and other stakeholders.
The workshop is expected to produce a communiqué on peace building and conflict resolution as proceedings come to a close on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.
