A renowned Scholar, Rev. Fr Joshua Achir has called on Parents and all stakeholders involved in parenting to inculcate peace values in their children, to commemorate the UN International Day for Peace and Non-Violence.
Rev. Achir who is also the Director of Development and Peace Initiative, DPI, made the call in Kaduna at a town hall meeting organised by the DPI in partnership with USAID Nigeria.
He said; ”Everyone has a role to play in teaching children and young people values like early warning, early response conflict resolution, peace dialogue and consensus building which are key to self and national development.”
Rev. Achir lamented the unfortunate situation where people allow themselves to be used as agents to cause pain and untold hardship on others.
He said; “At the point we are in now, I don’t think we need the government to offer us the basic necessities of life like food, shelter, or clothing, all we desire is their primary responsibility of protecting lives and properties which is tantamount to creating that enabling environment we desire.”
According to him, where security is guaranteed and peace exists, people will naturally survive.
“Today, we celebrate to recognise the efforts of those who have and are continuing to work hard towards ending conflict and promoting the ideals of peace.
”The International Day for Peace and Non-Violence is aimed at connecting people to one another, as well as reminding them of believing and trusting each other,” Rev. Achir explained.
Also, the Head of Programmes, DPI, Mr Emmanuel Tagwai said they were working in communities with women, the vulnerable, traditional rulers and Civil Society Organisation, CSO’s in building capacities on issues surrounding peace building in their various communities.
Mr Tagwai said; “We are working in four Local Government Areas namely; Guma, Buruku and Gwei west local government all in Benue State, as well as Kaduna South to restore peace.”
Mercy Chukwudiebere
