By Modupe Gbadeyanka
National Information Officer of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria, Mr Oluseyi Soremekun, has enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the culture of peace, noting that, “Peace is sacrosanct and non-negotiable. Everyone needs to imbibe the culture of peace by upholding mutual trust and respect for one another.”
He said this while speaking at a workout tagged, ‘Sweat4Peace’ organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Galaxy4Peace, in collaboration with UNIC as part of the countdown activities to mark the International Day of Peace (21 September). The event held at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka Lagos was attended by over 150 people.
Explaining this year’s theme: ‘Together for Peace: Respect, safety and dignity for all’, Mr Soremekun explained that the theme honours the spirit of TOGETHER, a global initiative that promotes respect, safety and dignity for everyone forced to flee their homes in search of a better life.
“It also encourages everyone to work together for peace and uphold mutual respect for one another,” he explained.
Citing the UN Secretary-General, Mr Antonio Guterres, the National Information Officer said, “In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats. We must resist cynical efforts to divide communities and portray neighbours as ‘the other’. Discrimination diminishes us all. It prevents people — and societies — from achieving their full potential.” He added, “Together, let us stand up against bigotry and for human rights. Together, let us build bridges. Together, let us transform fear into hope.”
Mr Soremekun further noted that peace was at the centre of development, from the family level to the global stage. According to him, without peace, none of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could be achieved.
Adedapo Adesanya