The Women Wing of the Christian Council of Nigeria (WOWICCN) has visited the Institute of Church and Society (ICS), Jos, also known as the Peacebuilding and Trauma Healing Centre, Jos, as part of activities marking the WOWICCN Biennial Convention 2026 in Plateau State.

The familiarity visit brought together the national leadership, national officers, zonal coordinators, and state chairpersons of WOWICCN to the Centre, where they were received by the Director of ICS Jos, Rev. Dr. Ephraim Yakubu Simon, and members of staff.

The visit provided an opportunity for the women to learn more about the history, mandate, and interventions of the Centre, particularly its work in peacebuilding, trauma healing, psychosocial support, conflict mediation, early warning and response, climate advocacy, and livelihood empowerment.

ICS Jos: Advancing Peace and Healing

Welcoming the WOWICCN delegation, Rev. Dr. Ephraim Yakubu Simon gave a brief account of the history and establishment of the Institute of Church and Society Jos.

He explained that the Centre was established to respond to the needs and concerns of churches and communities in Northern Nigeria. He further highlighted the development of the Peacebuilding and Trauma Healing Centre in response to recurring unrest and crises in the region.

According to him, the Centre provides a platform for promoting peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, while also offering psychosocial support to people affected by conflict and trauma.

The Director noted that these interventions are part of the Centre’s broader commitment to strengthening communities and helping vulnerable people rebuild their lives after experiences of conflict and trauma.

Rev. Dr. Ephraim Yakubu Simon, Director of ICS Jos, during his address to the visiting WOWICCN delegation.

WOWICCN Commends ICS Jos Leadership

Responding, the National Leader of WOWICCN, Prof. Ekwutosi Essien Offion, expressed appreciation to the Director and staff of ICS Jos for welcoming the leadership and members of the organisation.

She commended the Centre for remaining functional and continuing to invest in the lives of vulnerable people, particularly in conflict-affected communities in Northern Nigeria, despite the risks associated with peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions in challenging environments.

Prof. Offion also praised Rev. Dr. Simon’s leadership and management of the Centre, particularly his role in helping traumatised persons navigate their healing process.

She encouraged the Director and his team to remain committed to the work and prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and sustainable funding partnerships to enable the Centre to expand its interventions and continue its service to vulnerable communities.

CCN Leadership Commended for Support

The Director of ICS Jos also acknowledged the support of the leadership of the Christian Council of Nigeria, particularly the CCN President, Most Revd Dr. David Chikezie Onuoha, and the General Secretary, Rt. Revd Evans Onyemara, Ph.D.

He said the leadership had continued to provide moral support and attention to the welfare of the Centre’s staff, describing such support as an encouragement to the team to remain committed to keeping the Centre operational and responsive to the needs of the people it serves.

WOWICCN leadership alongside the Director of ICS Jos, Rev. Dr. Ephraim Yakubu Simon, reaffirming cooperation and service to community resilience.

ICS Jos, WOWICCN Explore Collaboration

Rev. Dr. Simon wished the WOWICCN delegates a successful Biennial Convention and a pleasant stay in Jos, Plateau State.

He also extended an invitation for greater collaboration between ICS Jos and WOWICCN, particularly in the areas of capacity building and partnership, which could strengthen the reach and impact of programmes targeted at women, families, and vulnerable communities.

The visit formed part of WOWICCN’s familiarity activities during its 2026 Biennial Convention and further provided an opportunity for members to appreciate the practical dimensions of CCN’s peacebuilding and social intervention work.

The engagement ended on a positive note, with both sides expressing hope for stronger collaboration in advancing peace, healing, empowerment, and community resilience.