In commemoration of the 2023 World Peace Day, an International Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Aviary Association Worldwide, Oluyole chapter has raised awareness through intensified advocacy on the need for all to embrace peace as a panacea for unity and progress.
The group called on all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity and religion to shun all divisive tendencies capable of jeopardizing the the nation’s quest for an egalitarianism, just, and united society where all forms of segregation or abuse of human rights are not allowed to thrive.
The Chairman, Oluyole chapter of Avarary society, Dr Abimbola Ladapo, in his welcome address during the event held in Ibadan on Thursday, disclosed that the annual event always provided an opportunity to reflect on how far the nation has come and the many challenges it has surmounted stressing the importance of peace to nation building.
The world International Day of Peace or World Peace Day is a special day set aside globally to celebrate on September 21 with the view to ‘providing a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace’.
According to Dr Ladapo, “this day is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations or people. Peace means freedom from disturbances and a time of tranquillity when you are not disturbed by anyone or anything. Peace also involves understanding each other and working together to find solutions to problems.
“Peace is societal friendship and harmony in the absence of hostilities and violence. Any other approach other than peace in dealing with difficult issues usually causes pain and suffering, so, the UN International Day of Peace was set aside to facilitate conditions where peaceful solutions can come about. Peace thrives in any society where government functions well, where there is sound business environment, where there is equitable distribution of resources, where there is acceptance of right to others, where there exist a good relationship with others, where there is free flow of information, high level of human capital and low level of corruption.”
In his keynote address under this year’s theme: “Actions For Peace: Our Ambition For #Global Goal, the guest Speaker, former state assembly lawmaker and immediate past Special Assistant on Community Relations to Governor Seyi Makinde, Honourable Femi Josiah said, “This is a push for us all to recognise how our individual and collective actions can affect and foster global peace.
“As a result of this, we can engage in simple and small acts that can help the Earth such as reducing waste, recycle and reuse and save energy by switching off lights and devices. We can read books, watch documentaries and research history about peace in order to understand the reasons behind conflicts in the world. Also, be kind to others, be thoughtful of people’s circumstances and share information that would help make the world a more better place.
“Each year the International Day for Peace (IDP) is observed around the world on the 21st day of September. It is a clarion call which recognizes both our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace. Every September 21, at noon local time, people all over the world observe a minute silence, taking a moment to pause and reflect on why peace matters is an important exercise. This can also be an opportunity to reflect on how we can contribute to peace in our daily life.”
While highlighting some of the collective important actions necessary for peace building in the society to include but not limited to cultural integration, respect for rule of law, emancipatory education, economic empowerment, promotion of gender equality and ensuring equity among others, Josiah maintained that the youths, who he described as future leaders must eschew all forms of negligible tendencies and begin to get involved in practical democracy and governance in Nigeria.
“Our leadership selection process must be open, free and fair to ensure all suitable candidates for key positions are considered, screened and selected or elected in a way that is honouring and effective. Our chances of achieving the first five actions which are cultural integration, emancipatory education, economic empowerment, gender egalitarianism and lastly rule of law are largely dependent on the capacity, capability and idiosyncrasy of the leaders we choose to lead us as a society.
“I thank you once again for patiently listening through to this lecture. Happy World Peace Day 2023. Let us amplify our actions for peace in order to achieve our ambition for the global goal of peace building and humanity.” Josiah concluded.
Other participants at the event including National Youth Service Corp members and other stakeholders in the state stressed the need for tolerance and harmonious coexistence among Nigeria while calling on government authorities to endeavor to lead by examples.
Highlights of the event were the symbolic walk, one minute silence in remembrance of all the heroes who fought for world peace, and release of a white pigeon symbolizing peace.
