Promote Inclusive Policies in Governance – Taraba Peace Committee tells Govt.
By Worldview Magazine.
The Taraba State Independent Peace Committee has urged government to promote inclusive Policies in Governance as social inequalities, marginalization, and exclusion often fuel conflict and violence.
Chairman of the Committee Prof Talla S Ngarka stated this while delivering a lecture on the World Peace Day organized by Search for Common Ground in Jalingo.
According to him, through the establishment of peace commissions, conflict resolution mechanisms, and Social protection programmes, governments can address the root causes of conflict.
“Inclusiveness goes beyond mere representation. When people from different backgrounds are given equal opportunities to contribute, the outcomes are more just and sustainable. Promoting inclusive policies in governance, social systems, and community engagements strengthens the social fabric, reducing the likelihood of conflict and fostering long-term peace.
“A culture of peace requires us to address the structural issues that
lead to social injustice. By promoting equity, inclusiveness, and fair treatment for all citizens,
regardless of ethnic, religious, or socio-economic background, we reduce the potential for conflict
and lay the groundwork for a peaceful society.
“When citizens trust their
governments and feel that they have a voice in decision-making processes, the likelihood of conflict
decreases. In Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole, our democratic institutions must prioritize the
inclusion of all voices, particularly marginalized groups, to ensure that governance is fair, just, and reflective of the people’s needs” he stated.
Ngarka also noted that the collaboration of traditional leaders, civil society organizations, non governmental organizations and government is very key in the process of peace building.
On his part, the Chairman Taraba State Peace Architecture Dialogue, Prof Joseph Lucas emphasised the importance of dialogue in every situation, and called on everyone to be agents of peace in their various localities.
The Professor reiterated the importance of establishing a Peace commission in the state while calling on all to be agents and carriers of peace beginning from the home front down to offices and beyond.
In his opening Remarks earlier, the Project Coordinator Mr Dubi Sonam said, at Search for Common Ground, their mission isto transform the way the world deals with conflict away from adversarial approaches and towards cooperative solutions.
Sonam also took the time to commend the efforts and resilience of Peace builders and other key players in the pursuit of Peace in the state, while emphasizing that when we work together to sustain peace, we can build a society where every voice matters.
“Peace is not the absence of conflict; it is the ability to manage conflict constructively, to sit down together, listen to one another, and seek common ground. It is on this foundation that peace is built: on dialogue, respect, and collaboration.
“Today, we must also recognize the tireless efforts of local peace builders-our traditional rulers, women, youth groups, religious leaders, and civil society organizations who work day and night to ensure that peace remains not just an ideal, but a lived reality.
We celebrate your resilience, your commitment, and your unwavering belief in a peaceful Taraba” Sonam said.
