By Golok Nanmwa,Jos
Jos South Local Government Council on Tuesday officially launched its Local Action Plan (LAP) on Women, Peace and Security (2026–2030) and inaugurated a Local Implementation Group (LIG) to drive its implementation.
The event, held at the Jos South LGA Secretariat in Bukuru, was facilitated by the Women for Positive Peacebuilding Initiative (WOPPI) in partnership with the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRiNG), with support from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO).
WOPPI Executive Director, Lantana Abdullahi, described the action plan as a historic step towards promoting inclusive peacebuilding at the grassroots level.
She said the document provides a clear framework for tracking progress, reporting outcomes and strengthening women’s participation in peace and security efforts in the local government area.
Abdullahi noted that the plan aligns with both the Plateau State and national action plans on Women, Peace and Security, reflecting a grassroots-driven approach that cuts across cultural, religious and social divides.
A representative of the British High Commission in Abuja, Nina Mason, said the initiative forms part of global efforts to advance women’s roles in governance and peacebuilding.
“Women’s participation is essential, not optional. Peace processes are more effective and sustainable when women are actively involved,” she stressed.
In her keynote address, Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Olivia Dazyam, commended international partners for supporting the initiative despite the state’s security challenges.
She said the action plan would help operationalise the ideals of United Nations Resolution 1325, which advocates for women’s inclusion in peace processes.
Dazyam added that sustainable peace and development cannot be achieved without women’s full participation, noting that the plan outlines key pillars such as protection of women’s rights, emergency response mechanisms, and collaboration between government departments and community stakeholders.
Deputy Team Lead of SPRiNG, Priscilla Anku, emphasised the need to domesticate national and state policies at the grassroots.
She described the plan as a “living document” that must move beyond launch to actual implementation, with the goal of transforming communities and increasing women’s involvement in decision-making.
Representing the Da Gwom Rwei of Jos South, Da Yohanna Pam, commended the organisers for raising awareness on the critical role of women in peacebuilding.
He called for sustained support and respect for women, who play vital roles in families and communities.
The event also featured the inauguration of the Local Implementation Group, which will provide leadership, coordination and accountability in executing the action plan across Jos South.