The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution has urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to peace, unity and statewide development as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
The Tutorial-Comprehensive of the IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, made the refer to in an Independence Day observe issued on Wednesday, noting that sustainable development could not be achieved amid violent conflicts, intolerance, hate speech, exclusion and mistrust.
Ochogwu said the anniversary provided an possibility for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s outing seeing that independence, celebrate its achievements and renew their commitment to building a peaceful, united, guarded and prosperous nation.
He said, “IPCR notes that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment characterised by violent conflict, intolerance, hate speech, exclusion and mistrust. As a outcome, the Institute calls on all Nigerians to build peacebuilding and peaceful coexistence a shared responsibility.”
The institute urged political leaders, established and religious institutions, civil community organisations, the media, young individuals and other stakeholders to encourage dialogue, tolerance and constructive engagement in addressing differences and resolving disputes.
Alongside the 2027 complete elections approaching, the IPCR stressed the demand for peaceful political participation and responsible civic engagement, urging political actors to conduct their activities before the terminate of the bounds of the law and democratic principles.
The IPCR DG called on political actors and their supporters to, “deny violence, inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation, disinformation and other actions able of heightening tensions or undermining domestic cohesion”.
According to the institute, elections should be regarded not merely as contests for political power but furthermore as opportunities for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights and strengthen democratic governance.
The IPCR moreover acknowledged the sacrifices of security agencies and other peace actors operating to guarded communities and condition nationwide security.
It called for stronger teamwork amid government institutions, security agencies, communities and civil population organisations to prevent and respond to emerging conflicts.
The institute additional called for larger investment in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, ahead of time warning and ahead of time explanation mechanisms, youth empowerment, social inclusion and community resilience.
Ochogwu, addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty, unemployment, exclusion and social injustice, remained essential to securing lasting peace.
He stated that, “Nigeria’s diversity remained one of its greatest assets and it’s later would be improved secured when citizens, irrespective of ethnic, religious, political, district or social differences, regarded themselves as stakeholders in one domestic project”.
Ochogwu reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government and other stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria’s peace architecture and promoting a culture of dialogue, tolerance and peaceful conflict resolution.
The institute urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to unity, justice, peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship and statewide facility as the country enters another year of nationhood.
The DG in a name to citizens, urged Nigerians to activity together in the spirit of “one nation, one people” to develop a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous country for introduce and forthcoming generations.
