Scholars define peace as a state or period in which there is no war .
It is also seen as freedom from disturbance.
The international day of peace was established in 1981, by the United Nations General Assembly .
Two decades later, in 2001, the general assembly unanimously voted and designated the day as a period of non violence and cease fire.
Each year, the international day of peace is observed around the world on 21st September.
The United Nations has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideas of peace.
The UN, invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the day, and to otherwise commemorate the day, through education and public awareness, on issues related to peace.
Research indicates that, achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.
It requires the building of societies where all members feel they can flourish and involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.
In a publication titled ‘peace building and social cohesion’ United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), explained that, nearly 1 in 5 children today live in settings affected by armed conflict and war.
“A surge in violent conflicts in recent years and the increasingly protracted nature of these conflicts is exacerbating the threat to children and reversing the hard-earned progress of the communities in which they live”
Since the civil war, Nigeria has attempted to build a sense of social cohesion and togetherness amongst its diverse populations.
One standout scheme is the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which is a mandatory one year national service for graduates of Nigerian universities.
The graduates are often transferred to a region (state) other than theirs, to boost understanding of other cultures and life experiences.
In Nigeria, government’s at all levels, are doing their possible best, to ensure mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic and religious groups in the country.
In a statement in August 2022, signed by the Media Adviser to the President Mr. Femi Adesina, President Buhari called on all Nigerians, especially religious leaders to intensify prayers, for the peace and security in the nation.
Similarly, during the 58th anniversary of the Nigerian air force (NAF) in Kano, President Muhammad Buhari promised to continue to give necessary and sufficient support to the NAF, in the battle against insecurity from non state actors.
He maintained that his administration will not rest until peace and stability are fully restored in the nation.
In addition, adequate security measures were deployed by the federal government to mitigate insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, maiming, among others.
Meanwhile,bKano state governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje had also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the provision of adequate security.
He noted that, the issue of security is paramount to socio economic development, as technology, community policing, and full coordination among the security agencies, had turned Kano into the most peaceful state in the federation.
However, religious and traditional leaders, non governmental organizations and all relevant stakeholders have contributed their quota in advocating for peaceful coexistance.
Reverend Adeyemo A. Samuel , Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), kano chapter who spoke to Radio Nigeria explained that Jesus Christ advocated for peaceful coexistence among mankind.
He urged Nigerians to embrace one another and work assidiously in uniting the nation.
“In Kano we don’t have issues of ethnic divide.The state government had set up an ethnic community where everyone come together under one umbrella”
Also speaking a renowned Islamic scholar in Kano, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman described Islam as a religion of peace.
He highlighted that, Nigeria is a country united in diversity which would further develop if religious and ethnic differences were set aside.
The 2022 International Day of Peace themed “End racism. Build peace.” was marked by week long events, where the United Nations office in Abuja organized a peace walk as part of activities to commemorate the occasion .
KHADIJAH ALIYU