The Kogi State chapter of the G37 Coalition for Tinubu has commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, for her foresight and commitment to peacebuilding, following the successful hosting of a one-day Community Workshop on Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding held in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
Speaking shortly after the session, the Head of Media and Publicity, Hon. Matthew Ochada (HMO) of the Kogi G37 Coalition for Tinubu, described the workshop as “a bold and commendable step by the Presidency to strengthen community dialogue and foster unity among Nigeria’s diverse people.”
“We are proud that this initiative began here in Kogi State, the gateway of the North Central. It shows that the Presidency recognises the strategic role Kogi plays in regional stability,” Ochada said.
“Dr. Abiodun Essiet has shown outstanding leadership and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Her efforts in convening this workshop demonstrate that peacebuilding is not just a policy statement but a practical engagement that starts with the people.”
He added that the G37 Coalition was fully represented at the event and would continue to partner with government institutions to drive community-based peace efforts, stressing that lasting peace is the foundation for development and good governance.
Dr. Essiet, in her remarks, noted that the peace initiative was conceived to “strengthen social cohesion among people of different faiths, ideologies, and political orientations,” while advancing Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations on inclusive governance.
She expressed appreciation to participants for their enthusiasm, adding that the choice of Kogi as the starting point was deliberate because of its diversity and central position in the North Central region.
“If we can build stronger community understanding in Kogi, we can build it across the entire North Central,” she said.
Participants at the workshop lauded the interactive sessions facilitated by experts from the International Communities Organisation, describing them as insightful and timely. Resolutions from the forum included the creation of Community-Based Peace Structures in all local government areas to address local conflicts before they escalate.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Reverton Hotels, marked the first phase of the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative (PCEPI) across the North Central geopolitical zone. It was organised by the Presidency in collaboration with the International Communities Organisation (ICO).
The workshop brought together traditional rulers, youth leaders, women groups, religious organisations, and community-based associations from the 21 local government areas of Kogi State to deliberate on practical ways of promoting peace and social cohesion at the grassroots.
The G37 Coalition reaffirmed its readiness to support the peace project as it expands to other states, pledging continued collaboration with the Presidency in implementing initiatives that promote unity, dialogue, and national cohesion.
