By Davidson Malison, Jos



As part of trending efforts in seeking for the inclusion and involvement of youths in nation building and peace advocacy, Plateau Youths at home and in diaspora on Wednesday 11th November,2020 converged physically and virtually on the famous Eliel Center Rayfield ,Jos Plateau State to bring to bear what needs to and not be done in the journey.


The event which was organized courtesy Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI) and Plateau Intelligentsia Development Initiative (PI) had a tag 'The Plateau Youth Dialogue' with a theme 'Towards a Peaceful and Prosperous Plateau.'


The conveners of the dialogue summit, Dr.Daniel Meshak of PI and Melvin Ejeh of GOPRI drew the attention of the participants during welcome address that the essence of the gathering is to brainstorm as well as fashion ways that will bring about a dramatic engagement of young people in policy and decision making as well as peace building with Plateau State as a pace setter. They collectively said the youths are the assets of this nation and therefore must be part and parcel of anything capable of entrenching the nation. Citing that the recent ENDSARS protest across the nation wouldn't have been staged if things were going on well.

They thereafter, encouraged all and sundry to feel free as well as air their views which will help give birth to a new Plateau.


Dr.Chris Kwaja of Modibbo Adamawa University of Technology,Yola who spoke on the "Role of Good Governance in Promoting Peace" said only with peace can a nation have the needed development and advancement.

He reiterated that Nigeria is an interesting paradox,very wealthy with poor people.He said if the youths can collectively come together devoid of ethnicity, religion,region and other ills,they can turnaround the fortunes of Plateau.


Speaking on "Understanding the Rudiments of Peace and Social Prosperity", Dr.Kingsley Madueke of the University of Jos said the templates of peace building anchored in Plateau State in Nigeria is a total extraction from the western nations therefore advised that for a headway to be achieved, traditional and local methods must be inculcated with youths, women and traditional rulers as champions. 'Joking relationship can play a vital role like Anaguta,Afizere Berom, Pan, Ngas, Irigwe, Tarok,Goemai etc must have joking activities bringing them together" He added.


Remarks and goodwill messages were received from the Plateau State Governor,Barr.Simon Bako Lalong through the Director of Research,Planning and Documentation, Plateau State,Prof.John Wade.

Representative of the Commander of Operation Safe Haven and a host of others.


The highlight of the dialogue summit was a panel discussion with a cream of young people cross fertilizing ideas aimed at fixing things at their appropriate places. Plenary with various speakers doing justice to questions raised.


Participants at the event expressed total delight and happiness,saying by regularly coming together as thus,no doubt the struggle will give birth to the expected and anticipated results.They thanked and applauded the organizers for the initiative and enjoined them to organize more so that others can participate.