The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has said the current insecurity in Nigeria may hinder the country from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The Director-General of the lPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, said this while speaking at the 7th International Conference on Love and Tolerance in Nigeria, with the theme: “Harmony through Compassion: Embracing Diversity in Pursuit of Peace”, in Abuja on Thursday.
He called for concrete actions from authorities to address the situation.
While noting that there was a need for Nigerians to embrace love and tolerance for sustainable development and peaceful coexistence, Ochogwu noted that the world was currently facing a plethora of security and developmental challenges.
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“Nigeria continues to contend with heightened tension and violent confrontations resulting from the inability of people of diverse religions and cultural practices to manage their diversity.
“The activities of corrupt political leaders in promoting nepotism, tribalism, marginalization, inequality and lack of inclusion in the distribution of commonwealth, have further worsened the state of diversity management in the country.
“In other words, the resourcefulness and galvanizing power of diversity has not been fully utilized in the nation as our divergent opinions, values, and political linings have oftentimes been exploited for selfish gain as well as serve as triggers of bigotry, inter-group cleavages, instability, and underdevelopment.
“This development has deprived Nigeria of the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and therefore calls for a concrete action,” he added.
The DG said the commitment of all peace and security stakeholders could reverse this ugly trend.
Also speaking, the President of Ufuk Dialogue, Mr Emrah Ilgen, said: “To make the world more loving and tolerant, we must address issues like prejudice and discrimination. These problems often come from not understanding or fearing what is different.
We can overcome them by promoting education and creating spaces for open conversations.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas who was represented by Hon. Usman Bello, said that Nigeria as a cosmopolitan society must try to appreciate the existence of other people.
He said: “We must all come together and discuss tolerance and compassion. Unless we come out of myopic thinking, we are not going to achieve what God intends for us.”
