The GIZ PEACECORE II Project and TARABA STATE PEACE BUREAU’S Strategy Framework and Action Plan Receives Endorsement of Stakeholders
By Lynn Adda
A one day Workshop for the Validation of the Five Year Strategy Framework and Action Plan for the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management has been held in Jalingo, the state capital.
The event, which was held on Tuesday at the Grand Shield Hotel, was supported by GIZ PEACECORE II, a project aimed at strengthening capacities for conflict transformation and livelihood for groups in vulnerable situations in Nigeria.
PEACECORE II PROJECT, a German Government supported initiative is being implemented in Plateau, Kaduna and Taraba States with a duration of four years with effect from November 2023 to November 2027.
Speaking at the Validation event, the Taraba State Commissioner for Energy and Economic Development, Engr Naomi Agbu restated the commitment of the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas to the promotion of peace among the diverse people of the state.
Engr Naomi Agbu
She stressed that the Governor intends to achieve this objective through sustain dialogue and the establishment of effective and lasting structures such as the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management.
Engr Naomi Agbu recalled how the idea to engage the PEACECORE II PROJECT was muted, leading to the establishment of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Management.
The Commissioner who analysed the various measures aimed at addressing insecurity and achieving peace through kinetic and non kinetic approaches, spoke of the need to embrace dialogue and other forms of discussions to resolve conflicts.
“In Taraba State, we are more communal than most other states. So as communal as we are, we are also very knitted to our cultures and our traditions”.
The Commissioner however, noted no meaningful development can be achieved in a society devoid of peace and unity.
She pledged the support of the state government to the Bureau and the activities GIZ in the state.
In her remarks, a representative of GIZ at the Validation Workshop, Mrs Geraldine Aku, who spoke at length on the activities of GIZ and the PEACECORE II project, pledged that the project which is being supported by the German Ministry of Cooperation and Development, will continue to support the Bureau with both human, materials and financial resources to achieve its objectives.
Geraldine Aku
She said the PEACECORE II project is being implemented in Plateau, Kaduna and Taraba States.
Kpan Sanwi, Pastor Haniel Henlenwheni Banti, who spoke as the representative of the traditional institution in the state, commended the Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas for setting up the Bureau.
The traditional ruler who blamed some of the conflicts in the state on land disputes and ethno-religious biases, spoke of the challenges his Chiefdom passed through as a result of conflicts, leading to the destruction of property and loss of several lives.
The Chairman of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon, had earlier welcomed the Stakeholders to the Validation Workshop.
He praised Governor Agbu for his vision and commitment to peace, which eventually led to the establishment of the Bureau.
Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon
He equally commended the GIZ PEACECORE II Project for its support to the Bureau, saying it will continue to count on such support to achieve its mandate.
To the Stakeholders including the civil society groups and organizations advocating for peace and religious leaders among others, Bishop Innocent Solomon enjoined them to always be ready to support the Bureau when called upon as according him, they have become critical stakeholders in the Bureau.
Echo Express recalled that over the years, Taraba State, like many parts of Nigeria, has experienced recurring ethno-religious, communal and resource based conflicts.
In response to these challenges, the Taraba State Government established the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management, TSBPCM in January 2025 to serve as a dedicated institution for promoting peace, reconciliation and conflict prevention.
To achieve this mandate, a workshop was held in early in July this year to draft a four year strategy and action plan in collaboration with the PEACECORE II Project, after that, came the validation of the document, which is expected to be launched in October, 2025 by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas.
