Pulse.ng : One Tribe Initiative calls for collective dialogue, understanding to achieve progress, development

The Executive Director of One Tribe Initiative, Magdaline Musa

By Sani Idris

An NGO, One Tribe Initiative, says collective dialogue in the society and understanding should be promoted in the effort to achieve the desired peace needed for progress and development.

Executive Director of the NGO, Magdaline Musa, said this at an event to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Peace in kaduna.

Musa noted that to ensure peace in the societies, all hands must be on deck to bridge the divides separation cutting across cultural, political, economic and other factors.

She noted that it was through dialogue and cooperation that common ground could be found to build a more inclusive and just world.

She also noted that education played pivotal role in the quest for a peaceful society.

Musa therefore stressed that educating the youth about values of tolerance, empathy, and respect for diversity, was a viable way of empowering them to become the peacemakers of
the future.

“We must invest in education that promotes critical thinking and encourages a global perspective, so our future generations can navigate the complex challenges ahead with wisdom
and compassion,”she said.

Speaking further, the executive director also noted that peace also required the society to address the root causes of conflict such as poverty, inequality and injustice.

She, therefore, said working towards economic and social equity would reduce the likelihood of conflict and strengthen the foundations of lasting peace.

Thehe international day is commemorated by pausing to reflect on the importance of peace and as a foundation for human progress and prosperity.

“It reminds us that peace is not a passive state but a dynamic force that requires our active engagement and commitment.

“In the face of global challenges, from the ongoing pandemic to environmental crises and social inequalities, our dedication to peace becomes even more critical; we must recognise that peace is
not isolated from these challenges, it is interconnected with them.

“A peaceful world is one where
everyone has access to healthcare, where our environment is protected, and where no one is left behind,” Musa said.

She urged the people of Kaduna State and Nigeria at large to recommit to the principles of peace, justice, and unity, saying that peace was not a destination but continuous journey that required continous dedication and effort.

Also, a partner in the event, Mr Paul Aiyis, the Co-Founder of Transforming Initiative for Societal Development (TSID), said the they realised that the youth were not only perpetrators of conflicts, but also victims.

He, therefore, said commemoration of the day was to harp on awareness creation on the importance of giving peace a chance, noting that it could not be differentiated from development.

Aiyis who doubles as the Chief Executive Director of the TISD, noted that knowledge is power which underscored continuous educating of the youth to avert conflicts and violence in the communities.

He said people must not assume that peace was ready-made or automatic, noting that it was a product of action to accelerate progress and the millennium development goal.

He frowned at segregating and discriminating others, while advocating equal opportunities and respect for the rights of one another.

He called on the media to commit to the messages of peace while ensuring programmes aimed at arousing the urge for peaceful coexistence.

Also, Mrs Aisha Abdu-Mohammed, the Chairperson of International Federation of Women Lawyers, Kaduna Chapter, said women and children were the most affected during conflicts.

Describing women as the peace builders in families, she advocated for their inclusion at the forefront of peace building initiatives.

“When there is war, it is the men who fight it, and if any lost his life, the effect goes down to the women because the man is either a woman’s son, husband or father.

“Men are equally the perpetrators of conflicts, we are the peace builders, therefore our importance and roles should be realised for the betterment of the society,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Executive Director of an NGO, Women Initiative for Sustainability Environment, Mrs Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, gave a presentation on “Climate change: A threat to global peace.”

NAN also reports that stakeholders in the event cut across traditional and religious leaders, youth organisations, NGOs, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)