The guest speaker, Rev. Father Stephen Akpe opines that the age long disrespect human beings accorded to food and environment are some of the factors responsible for excruciating hunger been witnessing in the country.
Father Akpe, a mediator and conflict resolution expert charged government at all levels and community leaders to develop a policy to protect food noting that ” hunger doesn’t know religion or tribe.”
Chairman Correspondents’ chapel, NUJ Plateau state Council, Polycarp Auta acknowledged the summit aims to complement the efforts of Plateau state government and security agents towards peaceful coexistence and food security.
“This summit is part of our modest contribution toward the peace efforts of the state government and the security agencies, particularly the Operation Safe Heaven.
“Beyond reporting security issues, we felt the need to bring young people of different tribes and religions, from troubled communities in Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South LGAs to fashion out best ways toward peaceful coexistence.
“As the farming season set in, and Plateau being an agric hub, we also wish to use this medium to remind ourselves of the looming food insecurity in the country and the desire to develop a collective approach that will allow farmers cultivate enough food to feed the state and the nation in general. This, therefore, informs the choice of the topic for this summit.”