The Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) is to synergise with Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) in order to stem violent extremism in the State.
This was disclosed by the Director General of PPBA, Dr Julie Sandra, when the PAVE network paid an advocacy visit to the Agency in Jos the State Capital.
She said, “Our own joy is that there’s a devoted network for this work. “
“So we’re happy that you have come forward so that we can structure our work together, like you’ve said, we have the mandate, and part of our work also is coordination.
“It’s working with you people, so that we can multiply, all of our efforts”, she maintained.
“Like I always say, one stakeholder cannot do this work, never; and a conflict affected states like Plateau, we need more hands, but we must synergise our efforts if we’re to see the impact.
“Otherwise, you’re doing a few local governments here, somebody is doing few there. If we don’t bring it all together, we won’t see the big picture.
“So, on that note, we are very happy that you have come forward; so that we can have a structured discussion and see how far we can go, you know, in amplifying the voices, against violence, extremism, not just the voices, but the actual work that we’re doing, so that we can begin to really see the impact of this work that we are doing now”.
Sanda announced that a “desk-to-desk review” would be conducted by a joint committee comprising agency staff and PAVE representatives.
The agency also committed to revisiting past approaches and incorporating new insights, particularly concerning the proposed Technical Working Group and PCVE Roundtable.
On funding, the DG acknowledged existing LGA collaborations but noted that deeper engagement, as proposed by PAVE, would be explored pending the outcome of the joint review.
The Director of Programmes was designated as the agency’s focal point for follow-up.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chair of Partnership Against Violent Extremism Network in the State, Comrade Jacob Choji Pwakim, said, “Our visit today is hinged on this collaboration and is part of a broader advocacy effort across 13 states, aimed at deepening partnerships and aligning strategies for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) at the State and local government levels.
