The Federal Government has officially launched the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative (PCEPI), aimed at promoting peace and stability across the North Central region of Nigeria.
The launch took place during the North Central Peace Summit held on Tuesday in Jos, Plateau State, and drew key stakeholders from the six states in the zone and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The summit was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Plateau State, represented by Chief Ephraim Usman, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; former Governor and Senator representing Plateau South, Simon Bako Lalong; the Chief of Defence Staff, top military commanders, security chiefs, members of the National Assembly, local council chairpersons, religious and community leaders, civil society organizations, and other grassroots stakeholders.
Traditional institutions were prominently represented, with the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, leading the royal delegation. Others included the Ona of Abaji, Alh. Adamu Baba Yunusa; Chim Nku I of Nku Chiefdom, Amb. Habila Adamu Aboki; and the Ter Kwande of Benue State, Engr. Timothy T. Ahile, among several others.
In his address, the Gbong Gwom Jos emphasized the need for transmitting cultural heritage and historical values to younger generations, stressing that such knowledge would offer a framework for understanding and resolving communal conflicts.
Highlights of the summit included a fireside chat with the Chief of Defence Staff, who spoke on the non-kinetic strategies being deployed by the military to foster peace. Keynote lectures were also delivered by the Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, the GOC 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, and Prof. Yusuf Turaki, Chairman of CONAECDA, who stressed the importance of inclusive community engagement.
A panel discussion with participants from diverse sectors addressed shared regional challenges and proposed collaborative solutions. In a symbolic moment, Nigerian music icon Innocent “2Baba” Idibia, who serves as Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach, performed a peace-themed musical set, drawing emotional responses from the audience.
The summit also hosted a multiethnic and multifaith town hall meeting, where community representatives openly discussed pressing security issues and proffered practical, grassroots-driven solutions.
Organizers say the summit marks a decisive step toward fostering unity and rebuilding trust in the North Central zone, describing it as more than a dialogue — but a turning point in Nigeria’s peacebuilding efforts.
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