The International Day of Peace, sometimes officially known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations sanctioned commemoration observed annually on 21 September. It is dedicated to world peace, specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zones for humanitarian aid access. The day was first celebrated in 1981 and is kept by many nations.
In Benue state youths from all local government areas walked from the IBB square to Benue hotel about 5 kilo meter to raise awareness on the need for the people to see their differences as their strength for the growth and development of the state.
A youth leader and one of the conveners of the walk Enalegu Adakole addressing representatives of Benue communities said the young people who make up more than 50 percent of the state’s population must rise and work for peace to reign in the state noting as leaders in their right they cannot give into fear, hatred stigmatization and stereotyping which divides them but look beyond negativism for the good of all.
Mr. Adakole said “today is world peace day set aside by the United Nations for people to work for and promote peace so that everybody is given the space to contribute to sustainable peace”.
“The day also affords us the chance to look at the widening gap between the young and old, the rich and poor especially issues that threaten peace and peaceful coexistence among the various demographics. The peace walk gave Benue youths the opportunity to share pamphlets on peace and draw attention to what all citizens should do for peace in the state” Adakole said.
He noted that Benue state has suffered in diverse ways due to the farmer herder conflict and it’s time for the youths to be drivers of peace in the state noting both men and women should stand up for peace and peaceful coexistence.
Enalegu Adakole said they are seriously canvasing for the passage of the bill on the establishment of the Benue youth commission which has gone through second reading in the Benue state house of assembly.
Benue state witnessed years of violent clashes between farmers and herders with hostilities reducing drastically in the last two years as a result of efforts of the state, individuals, communities and nongovernmental organizations facilitating dialogue and mediation engagements in the state.
Dominica Nwabufo
