The Lagos State government has charged citizens to strengthen the ideals of peace within and among nations.
The Citizens’ Mediation Bureau gave the charge at a event to commemorate this year’s World Peace Day.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos Citizens’ Mediation Bureau, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju who spoke at the event said “there is a need to reflect and rise to the occasion to take concrete actions towards achieving peace at all levels.”
Olanrewaju explained that peace is not achieved by words alone, while calling on governments, institutions and individuals to go beyond words and promote dialogue, and non-violence conflict resolution as pathways to lasting peace.
“The greatest danger we face is not the impossibility of achieving peace; it is the belief that peace is someone else’s responsibility. The truth is clear: peace will not fall from the sky; it will not arrive with the stroke of a pen. It must be built step by step, by each of us, together. The theme of this day is not “Dream of Peace” or “Hope for Peace.” It is “Act Now for a Peaceful World”. Therefore, if we are to act now, Individuals, communities, government, civil societies, NGOs, government agencies, and religious bodies must understand their individual roles in achieving peace collectively,” She said.
Olanrewaju said; “As Individuals, we must realize that peace begins and ends with us. Peace starts in our personal lives and our homes. More often than not, peace or conflict begins with the words we choose to say. Instead of using cruel or insulting language, aggression, tribalism, hate speech that divides let us embrace a culture of peace. We must use language to uplift, to build, promote empathy, and not tear down. We must teach our children and loved ones core values of respect, empathy and peaceful interactions. In the words of Colman McCarthy “Unless we teach children peace, someone else will teach them violence,”
Understanding peace
She appreciated the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his team, particularly the Attorney General of Lagos State for creating an enabling environment that fosters meaningful dialogues across the state.
The Permanent Secretary also emphasised that Peace is a relative term that has different meaning to people.
According to her “For some, peace is simply the absence of war. For others, it is the assurance of basic economic needs. To many, peace means freedom from fear, the promise of a hopeful future, or stability and harmony within the family and community. For parents, it may be the ability to raise their children in a safe environment. To the market woman, peace is knowing her goods are secure. For others, it is the freedom to live without violence and harassment. For youths it’s the opportunity to access jobs. Yet, for many peace remains something distant, undefined, and elusive.”
Citizens Bureau
She maintained that the Bureau has consistently shown commitment to promoting peace and mutual understanding across Lagos communities through alternative dispute resolution.
“As communities, when disputes arise, we must actively foster peace by rapidly creating safe spaces for mediation, and dialogue platforms that resolve disputes before they escalate into violence. Therefore, traditional leaders, community elders, and youth associations must work together to foster peace in our community. Ultimately, we must remember that there can be no peaceful world without peaceful communities.” Olanrewaju explained.
She enjoined the residents of the state not only to make a commitment to organise yearly conferences and workshops to talk about peace, but to also live it and act towards it.
Hauwa Abu