The Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) has strengthened its engagement with the Benue State Government following a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the State Government, Serumun Deborah Aber, Esq.
The visit was aimed at exploring opportunities for collaboration in promoting peacebuilding, dialogue, conflict prevention, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and sustainable peace in Benue State.
The SSG warmly received the SPSP delegation alongside members of her team, including Bro. Tighil Godwin, Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the SSG, and Hon. James Adzande, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Cabinet Office.
Speaking during the visit, the SPSP Benue State Chairman, Hon. Akor Ishoho, expressed appreciation to the SSG for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to supporting peace and conflict-resolution efforts across the state.
He proposed collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Justice, particularly in providing ADR training for civil servants and traditional rulers. He also appealed for support towards equipping the SPSP office at Moses Orshio Adasu University and assured the State Government of the Society’s readiness to complement the Governor’s peace and security initiatives.
Hon. Ishoho further invited the SSG to become a member of SPSP at the Society’s forthcoming September induction ceremony.
SSG Commits to Supporting SPSP Initiatives
Responding, the Secretary to the State Government welcomed the delegation and emphasised the importance of peace to the development, stability, and prosperity of Benue State.
As a trained lawyer, the SSG expressed particular support for Alternative Dispute Resolution, noting that many disputes that proceed to court may leave parties dissatisfied, whereas some could be resolved more effectively through dialogue and other non-litigious mechanisms.
She commended the initiatives of SPSP and expressed her willingness to deepen her engagement with the Society. She also disclosed her interest in pursuing a Master’s degree in a related discipline and pledged to obtain membership of SPSP during the next induction ceremony scheduled for September.
The SSG further pledged her support for the development of SPSP’s activities in Benue State, including assistance towards the provision and furnishing of the office space allocated to the Society by the university.
The Permanent Secretary, Bro. Tighil Godwin, also commended SPSP for its vision, objectives, and activities. He expressed support for the Society’s initiatives and pledged to reinforce the SSG’s commitment to supporting its programmes.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration and advancing peacebuilding and conflict-resolution initiatives across Benue State.
A group photograph was taken at the conclusion of the visit to mark the engagement.
Dooyum Dominic Ingye
Secretary, SPSP Benue State Chapter
