‘Thought – provoking.’ ‘Insightful.’ ‘Inspirational.’ ‘Brilliant and life-changing!’ These were but a few accolades that trailed the recent lecture delivered by the first female Vice Chancellor of the prestigious University of Lagos, (UNILAG ), a world- renowned medical microbiologist who is Africa’s leading standard bearer in the fight against debilitating diseases, erudite Professor Folasade Ogunsola. Little wonder that it elicited an instantaneous standing ovation, soon after she finished with the lecture. But what was it all about? We shall get to know.
 
First and foremost, the epochal and history -making event, hosted by the impact-making Apostles of Peace Society International, ably led by the National President,Paul Ajisafe,  along with the tested and trusted team members,including Adebayo Gbose, Olawale Otunaiya, the National Vice President and Secretary, respectively, as well as Mrs. Titilayo Oyeniran, the Assistant Secretary, was a veritable platform for the Annual Peace Award and Investiture. The award was given to three well-deserving, prominent, peace-promoting patriots.

These included the former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande (CON), the Group CEO, Blue Star Group, Chief Obi Okafor and the CEO, Aero Contractors Ltd, Captain Ado Sanusi. The event which took place at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church located in Ikeja, Lagos will become a reference point in Nigeria’s Christendom.  
 
Of significance, was the lecture titled: ‘Christians and the struggle for Peace and Justice in Nigeria ‘ one critical and topical issue that would remain for eons in the memories of the engrossed attendees.

The thematic relevance of the mind -riveting lecture touched tellingly on what peace and justice really stand for, the connecting chord between the two, and the sources of conflict in Nigeria, with regards to the riot causes. Others include our obedience to the Ten Commandments, the significant role the church has to play in mitigating these problems, as the whole body of Christ, and specifically what it means to us, all as conc erned Nigerians?

These burning questions have become expedient more so, at this trying, tension-soaked time in our national history as the hungry and angry youths hit the streets, with protests tagged: #EndBadGovernance Campaign. 
 
As she aptly noted: “Peace is a state of tranquility, harmony, and the absence of conflict or violence.”  Beyond that, it is a mindset. On its part, “justice is the principle of fairness and moral rightness. It involves the fair treatment of individuals.”

Justice also encompasses the enforcement of laws, the protection of rights and the punishment of wrong doing, to maintain social order. But in the absence of justice, and with the culture of crass impunity we believe that we can do anything and get away with it.

When such a situation takes place we either forgive the offender, or some people who ordinarily should be concerned stand aloof and state that:”Let them not say that I am the one who stopped him”. 
 
Unfortunately, ‘impunity fosters corruption.’ That, in itself exacerbates wrong doing. But justice, as she rightly noted ‘is an imperative of a moral society’ because ‘injustices often underlie conflicts’ whether it is the blood-letting Boko Haram insurgency, banditry or herders-farmers clashes. 
 
According to Professor Ogunsola, not feeling concerned about such an anomalous situation is absolutely wrong. And that is because, as well stated in her words of counsel, ‘evil flourishes when the good keep quiet and we must not forget that.’  
 
Indeed, now is the best of times for Christians in Nigeria to practise what they preach. We must reflect the love, compassion and the soul-lifting teachings of Jesus Christ. We have to be the messages we preach. It has become compelling because not a few Nigerians have become resentful.

We need to mediate conflicts. We need to be more open and eschew individualism, intolerance, and do away with the inability to accept our differences. Self-centeredness, especially on the part of our political leaders fuels complaints and promotes poverty.
 
But good enough, that we have been called by God to be peace- makers. We should therefore, create inclusiveness, offer spiritual and financial support. This should be not be done only by wishful words but by visible actions.

We need to do more with regards to community services such as the building of schools, provision of potable water and providing agricultural services. Interestingly, that is exactly what the Apostles of Peace Society International, has been doing over the years. As reflected in the welcome address by Ajisafe:

“We have built and provided community water sources as social amenities to elevate the hygiene status in educational institutions, seminary, correctional centres and communities that are cut off from such essential supplies. We have built and managed food and home needs, banks and orphanages, offered medical services” amongst many other humanitarian services. This is highly commendable, is it not? Of course, that is Christianity in full action.
 
In a similar vein, big kudos goes to the Initiator/Founder of Apostles of Peace International, Siyanbola Oladapo, along with Obadele Orisabiyi, Mrs. Kemi Sotuminu and Rev, Gabriel Fawole. Others include Global Executives of Apostles of Peace Society International, Arch, Gbenga Babington, Chief Abidemi Ibigbami, and Prince Stephen Oyebode. So far, the AOP with the Mission Statement anchored on the strong tripod pillars of humanitarianism, evangelism and philanthropy has done well.

It is actively involved in distribution of food items, clothings, medical services as well as provision of boreholes where the chapters are located in Ibadan and Lagos.  
 
That should be a wake-up call to us to mitigate the pains and poverty ravaging the victims of insurgency in Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs camps. As Ogunsola rightly noted, your neighbour is that person in need. We should offer spiritual and emotional support. We should be mentors, stimulate others to grow and give a listening ear to others in need. Your kindness can never be forgotten.
 
Furthermore, she emphasised the crying need for Nigerians to cultivate and imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, which she described as the other side of love. “If you do good to those who are good to us there is no reward. However badly hurt we might be, we have to obedient to God who we pray to, pleading with Him to “forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.”
 
In fact, she reminded the audience of the Rwanda Genocide, and the important role played by Desmond Tutu through the ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ agenda. Quoting copiously from the biblical books of Matthew 5 verse 15, John 4 verse 34, John 9 verse 4, John 14 verse 27, Hebrews 6 verse 10 she highlighted the unfailing messages of peace and tolerance. She also referred to Leviticus Chapter 19 verse 18 which admonishes us to “love our neighbours as we love ourselves.”
 
Charity begins at home. We should therefore, practicalise the peace we preach right from the home front, to our neighbours and places of work. If each and every one of us is peaceful that would grow into a mountain of peacefulness in our communities, and the country at large.
 
Going forward, what is important is our response to issues of clear injustices as they unfold. That brings to mind, the thought of Aristotle who stated that: “It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organise the peace.”