Taraba On The Road To Sustainable Peace As Bureau Develops Strategy Framework
By Lynn Adda
The Strategy Plan Workshop supported by the PEACECORE II Project Of the German International Cooperation, GIZ NIGERIA for the Taraba State Bureau For Peace And Conflict Management (TSBPCM) has ended in Jalingo, the State Capital.
The 5 day workshop was aimed at developing a comprehensive peace framework and action plan for the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, TSBPCM.
The workshop which was held at the Grand Shield Hotel, Jalingo commenced on Monday, 7th and ended on Friday, 11th July 2025
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Taraba State Commissioner for Energy and Economic Development, Engr Naomi Tanko Agbu, commended the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management for developing a comprehensive four-year strategy and action framework.
She stressed that this initiative demonstrates the state’s commitment to promoting peace and stability, which is essential for economic growth and development, believing that the framework will serve as a valuable roadmap for addressing conflicts and promoting peace in Taraba State.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Ignatius Jesse said she looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on communities and the economy of Taraba State.
Ignatius Jesse, representative of the Commissioner
“I want to thank His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his support and vision for a peaceful and prosperous Taraba.
“His leadership has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward.
“To the Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, I offer my full support and encouragement as you embark on this crucial work.
“Your dedication to peacebuilding and conflict management is vital to our state’s progress”.
In her remarks, Myriam Wedraogo, the Project Head, assured that GIZ on behalf of the German Government will continue to support and work with the Bureau to ensure that its mandates are achieved.
She expressed the hope that inputs of the stakeholders which were aggregated at the workshop will go a long way in addressing the challenges of the state in the areas of peace building and conflict management.
Myriam Wedraogo
She used the forum to commend the Chairman of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon for his relentless commitment and dedication to take the Bureau to the next level.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, Dr Innocent Solomon was also full of praise for the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas who initiated the idea that brought the intervention of the German Government funded agency to support the Bureau, commending the foresight.
“I am happy today that the practical steps to realizing the entire intervention project have begun. I am so happy. We will continue to give credit to the Governor because I didn’t know when he engaged GIZ but we just saw the impact and the results of that engagement.
“So Taraba and all the stakeholders will continue to be grateful because as a Bureau, we did not struggle to attract the opportunities. We were created when the opportunities were already on the ground. I think that is a miracle and divine. This is amazing and this shows that Taraba is in the hands of God and the nations, for the best is yet to come.
Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon
He thanked the participants for availing themselves for exercise, making valued contributions, charging them to keep in touch with the Bureau and providing the relevant information towards achieving its mandate.
He equally thanked the PEACECORE team led by the Head of Project, Myriam Wedraogo for the sacrifice of coming to Taraba State to commence what he described as “this immense journey of intervention”.
Dr Innocent Solomon also appreciated the Director General of the Plateau State Peace Agency, Dr Julie Sanda for her remarkable sacrifice and contributing her knowledge and providing mentorship for the development of the work plan.
He also praised Consultants led by Rinjik Kwarkas, Director, Impact and Strategy, CRADI Research and Development for their commitment and dedication during the five days programme.
The workshop was attended by Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants to the Governor on peace related areas, members of the Bureau, peace academicians and practitioners, members of the civil society organizations, religious leaders and communication specialists among others.
