The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) has announced plans to mobilize international investment and development opportunities for Taraba State through the United Nations Investment Forum in Qatar, scheduled for October 2026. Taraba will participate in the forum with the largest delegation. This initiative aims to expose the state to foreign investors, donors, and international development partners.
IAWPA World Peace President, Amb Per Stafsen, disclosed this at the commemoration of the 2026 World Peace Day in Jalingo. He stated that the organization has designated Taraba as its North-East regional headquarters due to the state's improved security and peaceful environment. This decision was made after months of assessments conducted across northern states in collaboration with civil society organizations.
According to Stafsen, Taraba was identified as the most peaceful state in the North-East. The organization will continue to partner with the Taraba State government, providing international opportunities for the state government, youths, and civil society organizations to participate in international conferences globally. This partnership aims to promote peace and development in the state.
During the event, Governor Agbu Kefas was presented with the "Best SDG Governor in Nigeria" award for his contribution to Sustainable Development Goals 16 and 17. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma was honored as the "Northern Lord Mayor of Peace." The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Taraba State Bureau of Peace and Conflict Management also received institutional awards.
Selected residents were recognized as Eminent Peace Ambassadors. IAWPA president's speech, delivered by the organization's spokesperson, Amb Emmanuel Nweke, commended Taraba's civil society organizations for their participation in peacebuilding. The organization urged the government to deepen their involvement in governance and expressed readiness to sustain international peace programs in the state.
Amb. Olusegun Ogunyanwo of the Mediation Training Institute spoke on "Peace, Panacea for Growth and Development in Taraba State and Beyond." He emphasized that peace remained a prerequisite for meaningful development. Ogunyanwo urged the state to invest more in its youth population and ensure greater participation of women in peacebuilding.
Ogunyanwo advocated for dialogue, mediation, and restorative justice, encompassing restoration, restitution, reconciliation, and reintegration. He also disclosed securing a project endorsed by the Chief of Defence Staff to train 100 veterans from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with additional slots expected for Taraba to strengthen its peacebuilding capacity.
Key points
- Taraba State to participate in UN Investment Forum in Qatar with largest delegation
- IAWPA designates Taraba as North-East regional headquarters
- Governor Agbu Kefas receives "Best SDG Governor in Nigeria" award
