WDP: Underscoring Importance Of Harmony

On September 21 each year, the International Day of Peace is celebrated globally. Also known as the
World Day of Peace, the occasion aims to crystallize peace among nations by regularly observing non-violence and ceasefire. It is a time devoted to facilitating international support for building a rhythmic and viable world. Besides living in peace, the day is intended to motivate individuals and nations to recognise the full puissance of global unity.
The 2021 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Recovering Better for an Equitable and Sustainable World”. The objective is to help everyone to recover better, transform the world into a place that is more proportional, healthier, sustainable and just.
Lately, there has been a reanimation of prejudice, hostility and stigma all over the world that has taken more lives rather than preserve them. As the world recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, the day presents the occasion to reflect on how to encourage everyone to recoup better, bolster resilience, and revolutionise the world into one that is more equal, just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and stronger.
The pandemic is especially affecting underprivileged and marginalised groups. It was reported that by April 2021, over 687million doses of Covid-19 vaccine had been administered worldwide, but over 100 countries had not received a single dose. Those caught up in conflicts are particularly unlikely to have access to health care.
Moreover, while reinforcing harmony among countries, we must make peace with nature. This is because climate modification is not on recess and the demand for the moment is to evolve a green and sustainable global economy that provides jobs, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and inculcates resilience to the ever-increasing climate impacts.
In line with the UN Secretary-General’s demand for a global ceasefire, in February 2021, the Security Council reached a resolution calling for member-states to uphold a “sustained humanitarian pause” to local conflicts. It is crucial to abide by the call for the global ceasefire to ensure that those caught in conflict have access to life-saving vaccines and medicines.
In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated the third Tuesday in September as World Day of Peace. This was the first day of the regular session of the General Assembly. Subsequently, in 2001, September 21 was proclaimed the International Day of Peace. This is a day to lull, reflect and consider the best way to break the vicious circle of violence that conflict produces.
As the world commemorated last Tuesday, the giant of Africa, sadly, continues to wade through a series of crises that have diminished the level of peace in the country. According to the 2018 Global Peace Index (GPI), the nation ranks 148th out of 163 countries in the global ranking for peace. The GPI, which is the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness, assesses the state of peace using three thematic domains: the level of societal safety and security; the extent of ongoing domestic and global conflict; and the extent of militarisation.
Besides Cape Verde, Nigeria is the least peaceful nation in West Africa. In the 44 countries in sub-Saharan Africa identified in the report, Nigeria ranks 40th. This makes it one of the five least peaceful nations on the continent. Also, the Boko Haram insurrection, which began in 2009, has led to massive displacements of people in the North-East of the country.
Aside from the Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency, intense disputes between farmers and herders have killed many Nigerians and displaced a record number of persons, especially in the North-Central. According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), Fulani herdsmen undertook more assaults and were answerable for more deaths than Boko Haram in 2016. Both lethal groups are the most considerable security threats Nigeria has faced over the years.
Political, ethnic, and religious divide renders Nigeria’s institutions ineffectual in handling crises such as violence, poverty, family disintegration, and widespread corruption. We need to cultivate optimism as a people with a common objective of tranquility. Time has come for the government and Nigerians to work together to find lasting solutions to these issues to build a stronger nation for posterity.
Nigerians should ignore divisive comments and embrace peace for the good of the country. We must make sacrifices as the nation recovers from the challenges that stand in the way of stability. No nation can flourish and realise its full potential in the midst of conflict; therefore, Nigeria needs to be put first for progress and advancement. This is the moment to unite to build effective and inclusive institutions.
This year’s International Peace Day is a keepsake to the Nigerian government at all levels to intensify efforts in combating insecurity and create enabling environments through good governance for socio-economic growth and expansion, economic opportunities and poverty alleviation. This will positively ensure an enduring cordiality and peaceful cohabitation among all tribes and persons in the country.
Here in Rivers State, the significance of peace cannot be overemphasised, as according to the Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, “Progress and development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of bitterness and rancour. It, therefore, behoves on all residents to keep the peace at all times to fast track the development agenda of the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration.” In her Goodwill Message to mark the day, Banigo reiterated the need for all residents in the state to live peacefully with their neighbours in order to attract more development projects to all nooks and crannies of the state.
We note that since the inception of the Wike-led government in 2015, issues of communal clashes triggered by land boundary disputes have drastically reduced, and the State Boundary Commission has adjudicated on a number of volatile land boundary disagreements, which have engendered peace in communities. Besides, the government has partnered with community leaders, including traditional rulers, women and youth leaders, and community development committees (CDCs) to drive peace and harmony in communities as a cardinal ingredient of governance.
For us, the present administration has done so much to promote peace and unity. It is, therefore, essential that all residents of the state join hands with the government to sustain the peace so that recovery from the pandemic can be faster, and the resilience to build a better, stronger state in line with the NEW Rivers Vision achieved.