UN affiliate advocates dialogue on International Day of Peace

As Nigerian Peace Corps seeks legal backing

As Nigeria joins the world to celebrate this year’s International Day of Peace, an affiliate of the Public Information Department of the United Nations, May Peace Prevail on Earth International (MPPOEI), has called for increased dialogue and understanding to foster peace in Nigeria.

Nigerian Representative of the group, Mojima Etokundo, said that despite challenges facing Nigeria, such as insecurity, youth restiveness, insurgency and banditry, among others, Nigeria had continued to promote national unity.

He said: “We must recognise the humanity in each other regardless of our differences and commit to resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding rather than violence and aggression.

“To cultivate a culture of peace, we must start with ourselves. As individuals, we must embody the principles of tolerance, empathy and respect in our daily interactions.”

The Vice President of the body, Rika Yoshikava, explained that the International Day of Peace aimed at inspiring individuals and communities to look beyond differences and focus on shared humanity connecting them.

While noting the fragility of peace and the need for collective effort to keep it, the Executive Director, MPPOEI, Fumi Stewart, noted that “all humans are connected in consciousness and all good actions and prayers influence the destiny of all humans”.

Guest speaker at the event, Dr Michael Udam, who presented a paper titled, ‘How to Cultivate a Culture of Peace in a Multi-Ethnic and Multi-Cultural Country like Nigeria.’said Nigeria, with its rich diversity of over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, presents a unique canvas for painting a picture of peace.

“Nigeria must invest in education that celebrates our diversity and promotes inter-cultural understanding.

“By integrating peace education into our school curricula, we can empower future generations with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to live peacefully.”

The UN affiliate spoke just as the Nigerian Peace Corps called on the Senate to pass the bill seeking to establish the corps. In a statement commemorating World Peace Day 2024, the acting Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the corps, Samson Oteh, stressed the necessity of a legal framework to support the organisation’s mission.

In February, the House of Representatives passed a bill to establish the Nigeria Peace Corps. The bill was sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker; Julius Ihonvbere, majority leader, and others.

In 2018, when former President Muhammadu Buhari rejected the bill, he cited security concerns and the financial burden of funding the organisation.
Oteh noted that the bill would empower the Nigerian Peace Corps to train and deploy officers, who could collaborate with existing security agencies to promote stability in the country.