Plateau Govt Partners CSOs to Promote Peace, Development.

The Plateau State Government has partnered with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in a renewed effort to promote peace, accountability and sustainable development across the State.

The partnership was highlighted during a consultative meeting organized by the Government House Directorate of Research, Planning and Documentation in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Non-Governmental Organizations. The meeting brought together government-recognized CSOs in the State and was held on Wednesday at Eliel Centre, Jos.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Architect Samuel Jatau, commended CSOs for their role in promoting transparency and holding government accountable.

He noted that beyond serving as watchdogs of government, civil society organizations also have a responsibility to hold citizens accountable while supporting efforts aimed at building a peaceful society.

The governor further acknowledged the contributions of CSOs in attracting development resources to the State and supporting peacebuilding initiatives.

Director-General of the Directorate of Research, Planning and Documentation, Mr. Sam Godongs, said civil society organizations play a critical role in modern development, stressing that government alone cannot achieve sustainable progress without strong partnerships.

According to him, the “Time Is Now” administration values the contributions of NGOs, CSOs, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and international development partners.

He noted that interventions by these organizations in areas such as humanitarian support, peacebuilding, education, healthcare, environmental protection, youth empowerment and community development continue to positively impact communities across Plateau State.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Gad Shamaki spoke on the theme, “Socio-Economic and Political Prospects of Plateau State: Imperatives of CSOs, NGOs and Development Partners.”

He emphasized the importance of civil society in strengthening democratic governance and supporting development initiatives in the State.

Shamaki noted that apart from Abuja and Lagos, Plateau State remains one of the States with a vibrant presence of non-governmental organizations, adding that almost every local government area in the State has NGOs working to attract development and promote peaceful coexistence.

He also highlighted the role of CSOs in promoting citizens’ participation in democratic processes and advocating for equal rights, including the inclusion of persons with disabilities in electoral processes.

Chairman of Civil Society Organizations in Plateau State, Rev. Christopher Damcher, described the meeting as the first of its kind and commended the state government for initiating the engagement.

He said many CSOs had previously perceived the current administration as unfriendly to civil society but noted that the dialogue had helped change that perception.

Damcher, however, raised concerns over the exclusion of CSOs from some key government activities, including the recent distribution of Federal Government food support and the constitution of the committee on State Police. He assured that CSOs would further engage the office of the SSG to address the issues.

The meeting also featured sessions on collaboration between the State, the United Nations, the World Bank, NGOs and the diaspora, as well as strategies for mobilizing NGOs to support the future development of Plateau State.

Media Action for Health, Environment and Sustainable Development (MAHESD), an organization of journalists promoting health, environmental protection and sustainable development, also participated in the consultative meeting.