The United Nations (UN), the Federal Government, organisations, and individuals have been tasked to support actions that would curb hunger, illiteracy, boost food security, and enthrone peace.
The Nigerian Representative of May Peace Prevail on Earth International, Mojima Etokudo, regretted that there have been profuse messages on peace without actions. He said it was imperative to implement actions and policies that would boost food production, curb hunger, empower the downtrodden, and invest in education to curb illiteracy.
Etokudo pointed out that in Nigeria, there are issues of insecurity, economic strain, social fragmentation, and youth restiveness, among others.
Sequel to this, he therefore emphasised the need to act now to save the nation by implementing the above points, warning that delay widens the gaps between the desired peace and the reality.
Etokudo stated this at the 2025 United Nations International Day of Peace Celebration in Rivers State at the weekend, noting that lack of food, skills, and literacy can cause crisis, conflict, and distrust at homes and in society, which he noted was unhealthy for individuals and societal growth.
He said, “The situation is people keep preaching peace without acting, but the message is that we should act on what we preach so that there can be a peaceful world. There is conflict, crisis—even at homes—there are divisions, distrust because of hunger and lack of humanitarian services, so we need to take actions, engage in a series of humanitarian services that could engender a peaceful world.”
He disclosed that the organisation has engaged the downtrodden, helped the less privileged in society, and addressed some of their needs.
He said, “If organisations and individuals can engage in more humanitarian services, there will be food and peace at home and in society. So we implore all and sundry to actively support food production, support the less privileged, because illiteracy and hunger can result in violence. The UN, the Nigerian government, and others should support the actions for peace to prevail,” he stated.
He described peace as the presence of justice, equality, and respect for human dignity, stressing that peace is the responsibility of every citizen through empathy, kindness, and non-violence in everyday life.
Also speaking during panel discussions at the event, Prof. Iniodu George Ukpong of the University of Cross River State, Calabar, said for peace to be achieved, the root causes of conflict, poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and hunger must be addressed.
On his part, the Chief Imam of Mile One Diobu Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, Imam Murtala Suleiman, called on the United Nations to assist in addressing issues of food security in Nigeria. He lamented that many citizens are hungry and angry, a situation which has created a tense and chaotic atmosphere.
He said Islam preaches peace and assured that steps would be taken to enthrone peace, but emphasised that more frantic efforts are required from governments and the UN to achieve peaceful cohesion in Nigeria.
The President General, Ogbakor Ikwere Cultural Organisation Worldwide, Eze Godspower Onuekwa, urged the people to embrace God, stating that the fear of God is a panacea for peace.
Emem Mojima, Girls Child Advocate, added that empowering the girl child is a strong way to ensure equity, equality, and justice, which she noted will promote peace.
The Nigerian Representative of May Peace Prevail on Earth International, Mojima Etokudo, speaking at the Peace Day event in Port Harcourt.
