n a significant call to action, Benue State Deputy Governor, Barrister Sam Ode, has emphasized the need for collective responsibility among government officials, traditional rulers, and development partners to forge a path towards sustainable peace in the state.
Barrister Ode made this call on Tuesday during a one-week workshop on “Strengthening Peace and Advocacy for Conflict Resolution through Engagement with Traditional Leaders in Benue State,” organized by GoGreen Environmental Health Sustainability Initiatives at Batoha Resort, Makurdi.
Describing traditional leaders as pillars of stability, government officials as architects of policy, and development partners as enablers of change, Barrister Ode expressed his belief that through dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared commitment, the various conflicts in the state can be transformed into opportunities for growth and harmony.
He expressed gratitude to GoGreen Resources, UK International Development, Spring, and Tetra Tech International Development for their support and encouraged participants to engage actively in building a harmonious society.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Paul Biam, hailed the workshop as timely and relevant, emphasizing that engaging traditional rulers in peace promotion would be instrumental in achieving the desired outcomes.
The Chief Executive Officer of GoGreen Resources, Jackson Ameh, underscored the importance of locally driven peace initiatives, stressing that peace cannot be externally imposed.
He advocated for revitalizing and strengthening indigenous mechanisms for peace and justice, emphasizing the crucial role of local actors, including traditional leaders.
Professor Ukoha Ukiho, Country Lead of Spring, stated that the event aimed to build the capacity of traditional rulers in conflict resolution.
The Ochidoma , His Royal Majesty, Dr. John Elaigwu, represented by the Ad’Enone, Engineer Ede, acknowledged the organizers’ vision for entrenching peace in the state.
The workshop, with the theme, “Agropastoral Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development in Benue State,” brought together participants from Guma, Gwer West, and Makurdi Local Government Areas, with other batches of local governments set to benefit subsequently.
