Peace Corps of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Command has called for collaborative efforts in tackling the nation’s peace and security challenges facing the country for development to thrive.
Chief Bala Joshua, the Commandant of the Corps in the state made the call at the occasion to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Peace in Lafia.
He said that the importance of peace to societal development couldnot be overemphsized, hence the need of his call in that direction.
The commandant said that the UN International Day of Peace was aimed at putting peace in practice, through a collective cooperative moment of unity, which goal is to demystify peace-building by portraying it as the responsibility of very individual.
“Though today is the day set aside by the UN for the entire global community to observe and celebrate the culture of peace and the practice of non-violence.
” It is with great pleasure and privilege to welcome you all to this public lecture marking this year’s United Nations International Day of Peace.
” Your participation today will go a long way to foster this collaborative spirit which is critical to tackling today’s peace and security challenges in our dear state and country at large.
” It is no longer news that the International Day of Peace which was declared through a special resolution by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1981 is being celebrated on September 21st every year.
” This day which was first celebrated in 2002 as a day for the observance of the culture of peace in the world over is here again calling for our sober reflection.
“The International Day of Peace when declared by World leaders, was intended to provide the needed opportunity for the advocacy of peace, tolerance and unity within the international community,” he said.
Joshua said that the platform of the UN International Day of peace has provided the needed opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date.
” Which inform the reason of our gathering here today to celebrate this year’s peace day.
“The Peace Corps of Nigeria being one of the vibrant youth voluntary organization with membership strength of over (180,000) one hundred and eighty thousand youths in the country with Nasarawa State having over (5,000) five thousand membership. has been consistend in promoting peace in the society.
” As the activities of Peace Corps of Nigeria are generally related to the promotion of peace and social order, youth development/empowerment volunteerism, humanitarian services and environmental health.
“The Peace Corps offers a credible platform for its members to work with government at all levels, educational institutions, youth based organizations, civil society and community based organizations, and international development partners sharing similar objectives with the corps,” he added.
The Commandant urged Nigerians to do away with all forms of sentimental beliefs and embrace a culture of peaceful co-existence and tolerance for the overall development of the country.
” This is in view of the fact that the act of conflict prevention, peace building, conflict mediation and post-conflict transformation, is the bedrock of a thriving democracy and sustainable development, which all governments, individuals and the larger society are desirous of in ensuring lasting peace,” he added.
” In commemorating this year’s Peace Day’s celebration, the Local organizing committee came up with series of activities which includes; visitation to orphanage home, Peace award to notable figures who have contributed tremendously to peace process in Nigeria,” Joshua said.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the event featured with a public lecture with the theme ” Peace and Youth Development As A Pillar for Recovering Better, Equitable and Sustainable World, the Nigerian Peace Corps Perspectives”