“Forgiveness is not at attribute of the weak, but the very character of the strong who love God”Gov Simon Bako Lalong

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt Hon (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong has said that the two decades of recurring violence in Plateau State has done unimaginable damage to the collective psyche of Plateau residents and has fractured the age-long peaceful intra and inter group coexistence which stunted development and growth.

Governor Lalong made this know while delivering Hus speech during the annual Forgiveness Day which held at the forgiveness garden located along Old Zaria Bye Pass, in Jos the Plateau State capital.

Governor Lalong noted most importantly that Forgiveness is not at attribute of the weak, but the very character of the strong who love God, stressing that forgiveness is a very powerful tool in pulling down the walls of differences.

According to the Governor, the feat could not have been possible without the role of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, the Traditional Institution, Security Agencies, Civil Society, the citizens as well as other non-state actors who have continued to work tirelessly to rebuild the peace through trust and confidence building, dialogue, advocacy and community resilience.

On his part the Director General, Plateau Peace Building Agency, Mr Joseph Lengman pointed out that the Agency has been utilizing every opportunity including the one that this Forgiveness Day offers, to create a platform for all our citizens to continue to meet on the table of brotherhood; to engage in an open, frank and solution driven conversation, that aims to build consensus; build trust and confidence, promote healing through forgiveness and reconciliation and leading ultimately to enduring Peace.

He stressed that this year’s Forgiveness Day is intended to encourage all to set aside old grudges, move past frustrations and hurts as well as open a new chapter in our individual and collective journey towards peace and tranquility. He urged all to be open minded and expect to hear and see things that may not necessarily settle well with individual perceptions of others and or sentiments.