As Nigeria and Nigerians join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day for Peace, peace is universally accepted as the panacea for economic growth and development.
Ethnic crises in some parts of the country are as a result of lost values and lack of respect for human life.
There is the need for Nigerians to retrace their lost values, and they must be warned of the danger of western influence, especially among youths.
The 2020 International Day for Peace is remarkable especially for health workers and other frontline workers who have demonstrated commitment in the battle to defeat COVID-19.
The 2020 theme for the day is: “Shaping Peace Together.”
Peaceful coexistence is not just moral but everybody’s business, government should therefore do more to listen to people demanding change and seize the moment to build a more equal and inclusive society with respect for human rights.
This year, it is clearer than ever that we are not one another’s enemies, but rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus (COVID-19) that threatens our health, security and way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact on other parts.
We call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and focus on the battle against this pandemic. Cooperation is also needed to win this new fight against the worst public health crisis of our lives.
The International Day for Peace is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease fire.
Dr. Jumai Ahmadu is the President of Helpline Foundation for the Needy.