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By Jacinta Hycenth, Abuja
The Commandant General of the National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC), Dr. Chinedu Nneji, has urged Nigerians to take immediate and decisive action, rather than delaying, to promote and sustain peace within the country.
Nneji who also is the Commandant General of Nigerian Mine Rangers Service (NMRS), made the call for action on the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Peace celebration with the theme: ‘Act Now for a Peaceful World.’
The International Day of Peace is a United Nations sanctioned holiday observed every on 21 September to serve as a poignant reminder for people globally. The day was first established in 1981 and first observed in September 1982 and is celebrated by many nations, political groups, military groups, and people.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, the CG also called on “non-State Actors” to lay down their arms and embrace peace in Nigeria, while underscoring several factors that necessitate immediate and collective actions for peaceful coexistence.
“Today marks yet another day the entire World celebrates peace. Peace, as we are fully aware is not just the absence of conflict, strife and war but the presence of social justice, equity, fair play, respect for human rights and dignity, food, shelter and good ecological environment among other factors. These factors are the things each and everyone of us should be positively engaged now and everyday.
“As this year’s theme has been aptly tagged: ‘Act Now For A Peaceful World,’ there’s nothing more factual than this in our present day World. From the microscopic society to the macroscopic society or the entire World, no one can sincerely beat his or her chest and say that his or her community has absolute peace. Even at our individual family levels, conflicts abound!
“This year’s theme is telling us to act now and not later for a peaceful World. It speaks volumes for itself and we are encouraged to act like wise. It serves as a wake up call to action for individuals and communities to actively engage and participate in all efforts to foster peace, love, understanding, and non-violence,” he said.
Nneji mentioned some key aspects of the theme to include: Action Oriented, Individual And Collective Responsibilities, Connection To Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), and Broader Scope Of Peace.
The theme, he said emphasizes the fact that peace is not automatic but rather the result of deliberate actions and efforts of the citizens, and it’s the citizens who bear the brunt of conflict and war, therefore, it behoves on them to act now and fast too towards building and entrenching enduring peace, tranquility and stability.
To ensure active participation in the theme, the CG outlined ways and means through which Nigerians can engage: By speaking against social vices such as violence, hate, and discrimination; practice respect; volunteering in community affairs to foster peace; embibe verification of facts to prevent widespread of fake news and promote dialogue.
He touched on the advancement in science and technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), stating that if not properly deployed, it may have some adverse effects on society. “Therefore, we must not only speak , but act now against the negative aspects of the scientific innovations in the world,” he added.
