By: Mayen Etim
KADUNA, North-West Nigeria – Ahead of the 2024 International Day of Peace celebration, a Consortium of Peacebuilding Organizations in Kaduna state has called for renewed commitment to peace in the state.
Addressing a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday, September 19, the Executive Vice Chairman of Kaduna State Peace Commission (KSPC), Saleh Momale, noted that peace is a necessity for the survival of life.
He added that it is universally acknowledged that without peace neither human progress nor harmony with nature can truly be achieved; pointing out that with the support of the media, peaceful coexistence is attainable in Kaduna state.
According to him, it was pleasing that the United Nations chose this year’s theme as “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” saying “Having reflected on the context in Kaduna State, we have collectively adapted this year’s theme as ‘Strengthening the Culture and Values of Peaceful Coexistence in Kaduna State.’
“This theme affirms the progress we have already made in promoting peace, while also emphasizing the need to nurture and sustain this growth in our dear state. This perfectly rhymes with one of the cardinal goals of the Kaduna State Government in promoting inclusivity, unity and cooperation in governance and service delivery for all citizens,” Momale said.
He explained that the organisers of the media interaction were a consortium of organisations and stakeholders collectively working for peace. “Amongst us are civil society organisations, government institutions, faith based organisations, professional bodies, youth organisations, women organisations, media practitioners, community based organisations, networks and host of other platforms, sharing the same objective of promoting peaceful coexistence in Kaduna state.”
Speaking further, the EVC KSPC said on September 21, 2024 some events to mark the Day will include a peace rally and display of cultural dances and other forms of educational entertainment. “Three strategic policy documents will be unveiled to the public – the Kaduna State Action Plan on Youths, Peace and Security; the Kaduna State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and the Kaduna State Pathway to Sustainable Peace and Social Harmony.”
According to him, these policies will provide durable and effective platforms for continuous consultations, interfaith dialogues, application of Alternative Resolution Disputes (ADR) mechanisms and the overall promotion of peace.
He added: “We also take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Kaduna State Government led by His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani. His unwavering assistance has enabled us to continue promoting peaceful coexistence and harmonious relations that is eliminating divisive narratives and uniting the people of the State.
“The Secretary to the State Government has remained a pillar in the promotion of peaceful coexistence. With their support, we are confident that in the years to come, we will build a Kaduna State that will be a source of pride for all its residents and a welcoming home to all Nigerians and the global community.”
Also speaking, the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), Reverend John Hayab, emphasized on the need for people to make peace a culture, a way of life so that we don’t just work for it or go in search of it, but as we make it a way of life it becomes what is cheaply attainable in Kaduna state.
Rev. Hayab who was represented by GPFN’s Youth and Education Development Officer, Rimpyen Yohana, noted that despite the history of the state, he believes the past should be left in the past, especially now that we have a Governor, Senator Uba Sani who’s body language has shown that he’s a man of the people.
“Gov Uba Sani is a man who wants peaceful coexistence in the state. He is working assiduously to return Kaduna state to it’s glorious days. You see, there are communities in the state where Christians, Muslims and people from all nooks and crannies stay together without conflicts.
“We’re presently working in Hayin Banki, Kawo in Kaduna North LGA. This is one community where the issue of conflict does not exist because the people love one another irrespective of ethnicity and religion. So, if it is happening in Hayin Banki that means it can happen everywhere in the state. With the support of government with its policies, CSOs like GPFN and others through collaboration, peace is possible in Kaduna state,” Rev Hayab said.
