The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command, has joined nations worldwide to commemorate this year’s International Day of Peace with a Peace Walk across parts of the capital.
Personnel of the FCT Command, led by Commandant Olusola Odumosu participated in the walk to promote harmony and unity within the metropolis.
The International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21, carries this year’s theme: “Act Now for a Peaceful World.”
Established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the day emphasizes collective responsibility and proactive efforts to foster peace globally.
Speaking on the yearly event, Commandant Odumosu, said ”he was delighted to partner with search for Common Ground to celebrate this year’s International Day of Peace to preach peace to the people of the Federal Capital Territory.”
“Peace has alluded us as a nation, my message to the people is to imbibe peace, appreciate our unity in diversity, and engage in mediation in resolving conflict instead of confrontation.”
Odumosu said the theme for the Day was apt and timely given the global need for peace.
He said “the event is aimed at promoting unity in diversity, exhibiting peace and encourage mediation over confrontation.
“It is a timely call that reminds us all that peace cannot be postponed, it must be built now through deliberate choices and action”
The FCT Commandant said peace is a shared responsibility.
“It is more than the absence of violence; it requires justice, dialogue, tolerance, and respect for human dignity.
“In Nigeria and across the world, conflicts often begin with misunderstandings and unchecked grievances that, if left unresolved, escalate into violence,” he said.
Odumosu said that the Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit, along with dedicated officers across the country, work tirelessly to mediate conflicts and promote alternative dispute resolution.
The Commandant emphasized that the NSCDC, especially in the FCT Command, is committed not only to protecting lives and national assets but also to preventing conflicts before they become violent. Peace and Conflict Resolution Units across the six Area Councils, Commands, and Divisions use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to mediate community disputes.
He said; “Between January 2025 and date, the Command’s PCR unit, which includes four chartered mediators, has successfully resolved 38 cases, including land disputes, family conflicts, contract breaches, farmers-herders clashes, and inter-communal disagreements.
“Through its ADR platforms, the NSCDC remains open to all communities seeking assistance in resolving disputes. The Commandant urged everyone to work together to build a more peaceful world.”
In his remarks, the Country Director of Search for Common Ground, Ovattara Karno, said his NGO has partnered with various groups since 1982 to resolve conflicts globally.
He stressed that dialogue and collaboration are more effective than violence in resolving disputes.
The highlight of the day was a Peace Lecture held at the FCT Command Headquarters in Wuse, Abuja.
Olusola Akintonde