Agency Report

By Muhammad Tijjani

The Country Director, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Rev John Hayab has urged Nigerians to strengthen the ideals of peace in their relationship, to enhance national development.

Hayab gave the advice on Wednesday in Kaduna at a roundtable discussion in commemoration of the International World Peace Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised in collaboration with some Non-government organisations.

They include, Heath, Justice Development and Peace, The Kukah Centre, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and King Abdulla bin Abdull Aziz Centre for Inter Religious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID).

According to him, peace is essential to the prosperity and progress of any society.

“For us at Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, it is either peace or nothing, which is why we continue to preach peace through the umbrella of ‘One Family under God’.

“We therefore, advocate that we look at a fellow based on humanity first before the differences in religion, ethnicity, tribe, region.

“This day is a reminder to us all that regardless of where we come from, what language we speak, and what religion we practice, we are more alike as humans than we are different.

“We must, therefore, both as individuals and collectively, strive to promote a culture of peace to attain the socio-economic and political goal we all desire as a people,” Hayab added.

He warned that the failure to cultivate and nurture peace, would be to the peril of all.

“Life is better in a world where peace exists, so we must all think, ask and learn what we can each do individually and collectively to make our families, communities, states, nation, and the world a most peaceful place,” Hayab said.

He also spoke on racism, one of the core focus of the day, saying the world must appreciate that “minority is not synonymous with inferiority”.

The Northern Coordinator of the Foundation, Sheikh Haliru Maraya, said peace is priceless and must be embraced by all, for progress and development.

Maraya urged Nigerians to be more united now with the present security challenges facing the country.

“Enemy of peace does not see you as Christian or Muslim, but an enemy, so we must be united for peace,” he added.

Earlier, the Vicar General, Missionary Society of St Paul of Nigeria, Very Rev. Anthony Anike said Nigerians must work together to ensure peaceful coexistence in the country.

“If we must work for peace there must be sacrifices, compromise and understanding among us.

“We must also listen to one another and have equal treatment; it would bring unity and peace in our society,” he said.

In his address, Mr Stephen Ojapah, an KAICIID Fellow, said justice is a precondition for peace in any society.

He said Nigeria would be peaceful if government manage the nation’s diversity, consolidate citizenship, adhere to rule of law, end impunity, promote interfaith dialogue and uphold the country’s constitution.

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