BENIN CITY- Nigerian youths have been asserted as fundamental components in peace and nation building of the society as the World marks 2022 International World Peace Day.
This assertion was made by different stakeholders in attendance during a 1-Day Youth Dialogue programme, organised by CLEEN Foundation in partnership with FORD Foundation to mark this year’s ‘World Peace Day’ in Benin City.
Delivering his lecture on the theme: “End Racism: Build Peace”, Lawal Abdul-Sabur, said equality and social justice are some of the ingredients of any peaceful society.
He maintained that youths in their large numbers have the capacity to restore peace in the society, hence, the need for the people to continually embrace peace.
Abd-Sabur, said racial favouritism and separationism are often responsible for social injustice globally, and sued for the promotion of anti-racism and separationism laws.
“Lack of social justice and peace has plumbed most societies in the world into terrible situation of violence and racism.
“So, we need to promote inclusion rather than exclusion as well as change our mindsets from individualism to collectivism in our dispositions”, he advised.
He commended CLEEN Foundation for the event he described as apt, noting that the dialogue would go a long way to exposing the people to their roles in peace building in Nigeria.
On her part, Barr. Agatha Osieke, Coordinator, “Partners For Peace”, West African Network For Peace Building”, blamed bad governance and quest to circumvent due process for globally insecurity and racism.
She stressed that peace building is about developmental growth which according to her is essential in any society.
Speaking with newsmen during the one-day sensitisation programme, the Edo State Program and Admin Officer of CLEEN Foundation, Mrs. Blessing Eromon, said the event was put together to celebrate 2022 International World Peace Day.
She revealed that the dialogue was to discus the importance of peace building amongst youths in Edo, adding that “we at CLEEN Foundation believe that if there is peace and understanding amongst the people, there would be good Nigeria”
She added: “We can not have a great country without peace and as leaders of tomorrow, we (youths) must embrace peace and always resolve issues amicably without violence.
While calling on all and sundry of the society to join in the crusade advocating for peace building and eradication of racism from the society, Mrs. Eromon, opined that world peace could be achieved through dialogue like the one organised by the Foundation.
