Stakeholders at the 2026 World Understanding and Peace Day (WUPD) have called for deliberate action to bridge widening social, political and ethnic divides, warning that polarisation has become deeply embedded in global and national culture.

Speaking at the event themed “Bridging the Divide – Building a Culture of Peace in a Polarized World,” Chairman of the occasion, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd), said rising global polarisation, misinformation, declining trust in institutions and youth frustration are deepening tensions in Nigeria.

He warned that polarisation is no longer accidental but cultural, fuelled by identity politics, economic insecurity, leadership failure and fear of “the other.”

Drawing from his military experience, he noted that unity in service transcended tribe and religion, saying Nigeria must embrace shared values and collaboration to rebuild trust and national cohesion.

The keynote speaker, Bishop, Anglican Church of Nigeria, Ilesa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Asaju, said the challenge of peace is global and not peculiar to Nigeria.