By Phillip Ekigwe (Student Editor)
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr. John Groffen has commended the University of Jos for various peace building programmes among different communities in the state, describing it as impressive.
Speaking during a visit to the institution to assess the peace building programme which The Royal Dutch Kingdom supported with a grant, he said the efforts made by the institution in sustaining the peace in the communities deserves commendation.
According to Ambassador Groffen, “We are impressed by the institution’s achievements in peace building. As the state is getting set for local government election and the country prepares for the general elections next year, we know security issues are of importance to the stability of Nigeria and we urge all to continue to be peaceful”.
Giving account of the N48 million grant given to the institution for peace building activities by the Kingdom of Netherlands, the Director, Centre for Peace and Conflict Management of the university, Prof. Nanven Gambo said the grant came “after the initial small sum given was judiciously used in peace building in the Southern Plateau conflict”.
He said the intervention had impacted positively on the lives of the residents of Jos especially, as the fears about ‘no go areas’ for Christians and Muslims had been allayed and people of both religion now move freely among the communities.
He explained that the institution engaged in advocacy visits to violent-prone and non-violent-prone communities, drama presentations to teach the need for peaceful co-existence, trainings among other activities aimed at consolidating on the peace in Jos.
Gambo assured that the institution is not resting as peace building messages are still on to build on the achievements and positive results had been achieved as Jos has returned to the path of peace which it is known for.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai who received the three-man team from the Netherlands Embassy, expressed gratitude for the visit as the institution cherishes the relationship with the Kingdom of Netherlands.
“The grant had made it possible for positive landmarks to be achieved as series of engagements had led to conflict resolution and sustenance of peace and we will continue to do more to ensure the peace achieved is sustained”
