President Bola Tinubu has dispatched Dr. Abiodun Essiet to Plateau State as part of renewed federal efforts to rebuild trust and promote peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse communities. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Essiet, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the North Central Zone, has spent the last two days meeting with Christian clerics, Fulani Miyetti Allah leaders, and representatives of various community groups. These engagements culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos, where participants discussed strategies to reinforce community-based peace structures across the state.
According to the statement, delegates from multiple local government areas—including traditional rulers, women leaders, and youth representatives—attended the session to explore practical steps for strengthening coexistence among Plateau’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
During her visit, Essiet met with Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC) in Barkin Ladi, where both sides reflected on the role of faith-based leadership in fostering unity, peace, and social development. She also addressed widows in the community, delivering President Tinubu’s message of reconciliation and collective healing. Dachomo, known as one of the strongest voices for Christian communities in the state, welcomed the engagement.
Essiet later held a meeting with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi, aimed at improving dialogue and understanding between pastoral and farming communities. She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive engagement and equitable participation in peacebuilding.
Her visit continued with a workshop in Jos focused on establishing community peace structures across the 17 local government areas. She also convened a closed-door session with the Irigwe community, the Miyetti Allah group, and representatives of the Bassa Youth Council. Discussions centred on sustaining peace, strengthening the existing 17-member peace committee, and promoting reconciliation between the two key communities.
Essiet reiterated President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to peace, inclusivity, and good governance, emphasising that community-based peace structures remain essential tools for grassroots dialogue, unity, and long-term stability across the North Central region.