The United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Center, UN-POLAC, has urged the Nigerian government to take proactive steps towards peaceful coexistence in the nation, as such strategic peace-building moves address the root and potential causes of violence.
The UN body said such action could also create a societal expectation for peaceful conflict resolution and stabilise society politically as well as socio-economic compositions.
The Deputy Country President of UN-POLAC, Amb. Peter Ohagwa, made the submission while delivering a keynote address at an event organised by UN-POLAC to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Human Rights in Lagos, Nigeria.
Amb. Ohagwa urged everyone at the event to stay on course, mobilise, and use their voices and votes to build strong social movements that would ensure a peaceful society for future generations.
He said the progress made since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights now faces a precarious moment with escalating conflicts, a triple planetary crisis, and increasing inequalities.
He then urged the federal government to establish a task force with Nigerian security agencies to ensure proper protection of the nation’s natural resources from vandalization.
“The UN-POLAC Nigeria urges the federal government to also establish and revitalize FOREST SECURITY CORPS (FSC), which has been moribund, whose core mandate and objectives should be geared towards curbing crime and criminalities in Nigeria’s forest, which has become a safe haven for criminals.
“We will appreciate this time around, to include our local vigilante in our various rural communities across the Federation to be part of the formation and should be recruited to join the corps with vigorous training,” he said.
According to him, researchers and practitioners also found out that peace-building is most effective and durable when it relies upon local conceptions of peace and underlying dynamics that foster conflict resolution.
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The Director-General of UN-POLAC, Prof. Obong Halo B. Eton, represented by Pastor Dr. Z. A. Ogunsanya, said the centre is committed to human rights and sustainable development, emphasizing that Human Rights Day is not only a time for reflection but a call to action.
“This day reminds us of our shared duty to uphold the dignity, equality, and freedoms of all people.
“This event also celebrates UN-POLAC’s recent achievements, including the launch of a comprehensive training programme for Certified Peace Advocates, which aims to equip individuals with essential tools to mediate conflicts and foster understanding within their communities. The training empowers participants to become proactive agents of peace in their regions,” he said.
He said the UN-POLAC had been at the forefront of promoting peace, advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and UNESCO’s Culture of Peace Programme as well as expanded advocacy efforts, which now target young leaders across Nigerian universities.
“By engaging students, UN-POLAC aims to foster the next generation of peacebuilders, equipped with the knowledge and skills to address pressing societal issues.
“We are proud to be part of an international movement with over 2.5 million members across 161 nations. Our efforts transcend borders, bringing humanitarian aid and alleviating hardship through initiatives like eye banking, youth exchanges, and sponsored airlifts of food and medical supplies to remote areas worldwide,” he said.
The Director of Women and Children at UN-POLAC, Dr. Cynthia Amaka Obiorah, represented by Mrs. Tosin Shonibare, recognised the pivotal role of women in the advancement of peace and human rights, stressing the importance of the day as a reminder of the fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual deserves.
She said the centre is marking the special day with the appointment of new Peace Advocates and the honouring of exceptional women with the Distinguished Woman of Peace and Honours Awards (DWOPHA) while reflecting on historical figures such as Mother Teresa, Mary Slessor, Queen Amina, and Queen Moremi Ajasoro, among others, as role models who had made—and continue to make—remarkable contributions to advancing peace, human rights, and the empowerment of women and girls.
“We are here to honour these women who have shown extraordinary courage and resilience in promoting peace and justice. Their contributions remind us of the critical role women play in shaping a better world for all,” she said.
In a remark, Professor Joseph Legend of the University of Costa Rica, USA, said the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria’s ethnic groups is essential for the country’s progress and stability.
He noted that peaceful co-existence fosters social harmony, economic growth, and political stability despite the challenges posed by ethnic tensions and historical grievances.
“Thanks to UN-POLAC for enhancing the transmission and promotion of peaceful co-existence among ethnic groups in Nigeria,” he said.
Highlights of the event include an award presentation to newly appointed peace ambassadors.
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