The Guest Speaker, Hon. Oliver Suleiman, has described peace as the major ingredient for development and co-existence in Taraba State and beyond. He stated this in a keynote address at the 2025 Bandawa Day Celebration in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
According to Suleiman, peace and unity are not just ideals, but drivers of sustainable development. He disclosed that the devastating effects of conflicts in different parts of Taraba State, including Takum, Wukari, Donga, and Bali, serve as clear warnings. “When conflict arises, farmers are unable to access their lands, leading to food shortages, economic hardship, and widespread insecurity,” he said.
Suleiman pointed out that unity is the strongest weapon to be used against economic marginalization and social instability. “By standing together, we can protect our land, negotiate better prices for our produce, and ensure that development reaches every corner of our community,” he added.
The guest speaker suggested ways to transform human and natural resources into catalysts for peace and unity, including strengthening community leadership, economic collaboration, and political cohesion. He emphasized the need for empowering traditional and local leaders to mediate conflicts and promote dialogue.
Earlier, the President of the Bandawa Cultural Development Association, Mathias Manyi, said that the Bandawa Day Celebration has risen and will now be held annually. He described the Bandawa people as peace-loving and accommodating, urging other communities to emulate them.
The Member Representing Karim 1 State Constituency, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, commended the state Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his security achievement. He enlightened the people on the importance of living and coexisting peacefully amongst themselves, emphasizing that there will be no development without peace.
The 2025 Bandawa Day Celebration has the theme “Harnessing Human and Natural Resources Towards the Promotion of Peace and Unity amongst the Bandawa people and their Neighbors”.