By Bandin Glory Joseph
In a significant move toward lasting stability and development, the Taraba State government has officially launched a comprehensive five-year Strategic Framework and Action Plan for Peace and Conflict Management (2025–2030). The landmark event, held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House Jalingo on October 8, 2025, marks a pivotal commitment to transforming Taraba into a beacon of peace and prosperity.
Dubbed a “Document Owned by the People,” this strategic framework is the result of an extensive collaboration between the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management (TSBPCM), the Crest Research and Development Institute (CRADI), and the GIZ PeaceCORE Programme. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government, communities, and development partners unite behind a shared vision.
More Than a Document: A People-First Approach
What sets this framework apart is its deeply participatory creation process. It wasn’t developed in a closed office but built from the ground up through stakeholder mapping, strategic workshops, and community validation sessions. This ensures the plan reflects the real needs, wisdom, and aspirations of the people it is designed to serve.
Rinji Kwarkas from CRADI, who presented the framework, outlined a powerful vision: “We see a future where Taraba becomes a model for peace where people will travel from other regions to learn from our success stories.”
Leadership and Partners: A Unified Chorus for Peace
The launch event resonated with a powerful sense of collective responsibility.
The Executive Governor of Taraba State Dr. Agbu Kefas fully represented 
by Dr. Jeji Williams, Chief of Staff to the Governor, delivered a stirring address, framing peace as the essential bedrock of all progress. “This launch is not just a ceremonial event; it is a bold declaration of our political will,” he stated. He powerfully expanded the definition of peace, noting that it is “the presence of justice, opportunity, and equity. It gives life to development, attracts investment, and allows our children to go to school without fear.”
Suzan, representing the GIZ PeaceCORE Project, reaffirmed the partners’ supportive role. She described the strategy as “a roadmap that belongs to the people of Taraba,” emphasizing that GIZ’s mission is to accompany the state on its peace journey, not to direct it.
The Unveiling: Symbolizing a Collective Resolve
The climax of the event was the ceremonial unveiling of the strategy document by the Executive Governor and other dignitaries. This act symbolized more than the launch of a plan; it represented the official dawn of a new era for the state.
“Today, we launch not just a document, but a new era for peace in Taraba State. May peace prevail and may it come to stay,” Dr. Jeji Williams declared, a sentiment met with resounding applause from an audience that included traditional rulers, faith leaders, youth representatives, and civil society organizations.
The Road Ahead
With this robust framework now in place, Taraba State is not just hoping for peace, it is strategically building it. The document provides a clear, actionable roadmap to guide the state from conflict reaction to conflict prevention, and from recovery to resilient prosperity.
The message from Jalingo is clear: the future of Taraba is peaceful, secure, and inclusive. And with this level of collaboration and commitment, that future is already beginning.
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