NAN-HG-11
Peace
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Sept. 20, 2016 (NAN) An NGO, Initiative for Inter-Religions Peace and Harmony Nigeria, on Tuesday urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmonious co-existence.
Mr Simon Dolly, the General Secretary of the organisation, made the plea in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Dolly spoke ahead of the International Day of Peace marked annually on every Sept. 21.
The 2016 theme is: “The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace.”
Dolly said without peace, there would be no meaningful development, adding that sustainable development contributes decisively to the elimination of what cause conflict and provides foundation for a lasting peace.
“Peace reinforces the conditions for sustainable development and liberates the resources needed for the societies to develop and prosper.
“Peace is not for one person, peace is for everybody; we need peace in our community, workplace, states, country and the continents.
“Peace is not a one-man affairs, it is a collective effort and all hands must be on deck to ensure peace reign in our country,’’ he said.
Dolly also urged government to complement efforts of the NGO to attain sustainable development.
“We believe in one Nigeria, if we want to remain as Nigerians, we must forget our diversity and regional, tribal and religious agenda.
“We should focus on one agenda, which is for peace and unity,’’ he said.
According to him, for the sake of the International Day of Peace, we appeal to Boko Haram to cease fire and end insurgency in the North-East for the sake of humanity.
Dolly said regrettably, peace had eluded some parts of the world for years.
He said some parts of the world had been hindered by war, conflicts and disagreements throughout human history.
Dolly said that these had left our world and many people in a deplorable emotional and physical state.
The General Assembly has declared it as a day to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people. (NAN)
OEO/GOK/AFA
Edited by Olagoke Olatoye/Felix Ajide
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