ABUJA, Nigeria—The Commandant General of the National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC), Chinedu Nneji, has urged Nigerians to take immediate and active steps towards building peace, in a speech delivered to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace.
Speaking at the service’s headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Nneji addressed this year’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” He stated that peace is more than just the absence of conflict but also requires “the presence of social justice, equity, fair play, and respect for human rights and dignity.”
He emphasized that while the concept of peace is a global one, it starts with individual and collective responsibility. Dr. Nneji highlighted the need for citizens to actively participate in efforts to foster non-violence and understanding within their communities.
The Commandant General outlined several ways citizens can contribute to peace, including:
- Speaking Out: Challenging violence, hate, and discrimination.
- Practicing Respect: Embracing diversity and different perspectives.
- Verifying Facts: Avoiding the spread of misinformation and hate speech.
- Promoting Dialogue: Encouraging conversations on non-violence and global cooperation.
Mr. Nneji concluded by making a specific call to action for his country, stating that the theme was particularly relevant for Nigeria due to its current challenges. He urged all citizens to “Act Now for a Peaceful Nigeria and the World at large,” and appealed to all non-state actors to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
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