REPORTER: OBY ARINZE
As residents of Anambra State join people across the world to mark the International Day of Peace, stakeholders have called for deliberate efforts to build a culture of peace, tolerance and justice in homes, schools and communities.
They made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the role of individuals and institutions in building a peaceful society.
The respondents emphasized that forgiveness and tolerance are important for peaceful coexistence, especially as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, peace is a state of calm and quiet, without fighting, violence or war.
The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981. It was initially observed on the third Tuesday of September. However, in 2001, the United Nations fixed September 21 as the annual day of non-violence and ceasefire.
The theme of the 2026 International Day of Peace is, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.
Speaking on the role of schools and universities in promoting peace, a lecturer at the Department of Political Science and the Director, Institute for Peace, Security and Development at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Jaja Nwanegbo, said peace education should be deliberately included in the school system, from primary to university level.
Professor Nwanegbo said this would help reshape the thinking of young people and make peaceful living part of their everyday lives.
A Civil Servant, Dr Chidi Obiudu, described civil servants as the bridge between government and the people, saying they have a duty to promote fairness, peace and harmonious relationships among citizens.
Also speaking, a lecturer at Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, Dr Dorothy Ezenwanne, stressed the role of families in promoting peace, saying peaceful communities begin with peaceful homes.
On his part, a Bishop, Reverend Doctor Uche Nwachukwu, said religious leaders should not only preach peace but also demonstrate tolerance, encourage dialogue and promote reconciliation.
He noted that peace without justice may not be sustainable.
The stakeholders therefore called on individuals, families, schools, religious bodies, government and other institutions to make peace a daily responsibility.
