Agency Tasks Journalists On Peace Building

The Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) has urged journalists to use their various platforms to promote peaceful co-existence in the state and beyond.
Mr Joseph Lengmang, Director General of the agency, gave the advice at an interactive session with journalists on Tuesday in Jos.
The agency put together the event in commemoration of the 2021 International Peace Day.
Lengmang, who acknowledged the key role played by media practitioners  toward promoting peace in the state, urged for more.
He attributed the relative peace currently being enjoyed in the state to the critical roles of journalists, adding that more needed to be done.
The D-G added that the agency through the media was able to get some early warning signs that has helped in nipping in the bud some situations that could have led to violent conflicts in the state.
“We have put this event together as part of celebration to mark this year’s international peace day; a day set aside by the United Nations (UN) to celebrate peace.
“We have decided to specially celebrate this day with the media because you are critical stakeholders in peace building process.
“The media plays key role in promoting peace anywhere in the world, and this underscores the importance of this gathering.
“We are most grateful to all the journalists on the Plateau for the support because through your reportage we are able to get some early warning signs.
“The media is a strategic partner towards achieving lasting peace and so we urge you to continue with the good works
“We urge you to continue to use  your various platforms to counter fake news, ethnic and religious sentiments, mutual suspicion and promote issues that will entrench lasting peace and harmony in the state,”he urged.
Similarly, Mr Dan Majang, the Commissioner of Information and Communication in the state, commended journalists for dousing some tensions in the state that could engender violent conflicts.
He urged reporters in the state to continue to support government’s efforts toward ending insecurity and promoting lasting peace in the state.