IAWPA DELEGATION ARRIVES TARABA AHEAD OF 2026 INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY
A delegation of the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) has arrived in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, ahead of activities marking the 2026 International Day of Peace.
The delegation was received on Saturday by the Chairman of the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management (TSBPCM), Bishop Innocent Rubiruka Solomon, on behalf of the Taraba State Government, alongside members of the Bureau, peace ambassadors and other stakeholders.
Welcoming the delegation, Bishop Rubiruka described the visit as a significant demonstration of IAWPA’s commitment to promoting peace, unity and conflict prevention.
He expressed appreciation to the organisation for choosing Taraba as a host for this year’s International Day of Peace celebration, which is themed: “Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere and Everyday.”
According to him, the choice of Taraba is significant given the state’s cultural diversity, natural attractions and its long-standing emphasis on peaceful coexistence among its people.
The TSBPCM chairman described Taraba as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” citing the Mambilla Mountains in Sardauna Local Government Area, the fertile valleys of Karim Lamido and the renowned Nwonyo Fishing and Cultural Festival as some of the state’s notable attractions.
Bishop Rubiruka also acknowledged the efforts of the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas in creating an environment conducive to peace, security and development across the state.
He described the governor as a “security-conscious governor”, while assuring the visiting delegation of the warm hospitality and support of the Taraba State Government.
He expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen collaboration among government institutions, peacebuilding organisations and other stakeholders.
The State and North-East Coordinator of IAWPA, Ambassador Dr. Usman Maulud, thanked the Taraba State Bureau for Peace and Conflict Management for the support and cooperation extended to the organisation.
Maulud said IAWPA’s activities and progress in Taraba had been facilitated, in part, by the support and collaboration received from the state government and other relevant stakeholders.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with Taraba and promoting initiatives that encourage peace, dialogue and peaceful coexistence among communities.
Also speaking, the International Spokesperson of IAWPA, Ambassador Emmanuel Nweke, commended the Taraba State Government and the TSBPCM for their commitment to peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Nweke stressed that peace requires the collective efforts of government, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, communities and individuals.
He urged stakeholders to continue promoting dialogue, tolerance and mutual understanding as essential tools for preventing conflicts and building sustainable communities.
The Guest Speaker for the International Peace Day celebration, Ambassador Olusegun Ogunyanwo, expressed delight at what he described as positive efforts toward peace and peaceful coexistence in Taraba State.
Ogunyanwo acknowledged the efforts of the state government and other stakeholders in strengthening peace and security, noting that sustainable development could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.
He also emphasised that investment in peace should be regarded as a shared responsibility, urging stakeholders to support initiatives that promote tolerance, dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The reception brought together officials of the TSBPCM, peace ambassadors, representatives of IAWPA, members of the media and other stakeholders.
The delegation thereafter visited the IAWPA office in Jalingo, where further discussions were held on activities lined up for the 2026 International Day of Peace celebration.
