By Fatima Bala Kawu

Nigerians from all walks of life have been charged to embrace, uphold and promote peace to enhance the growth and development of the nation.

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, made the call in his commemorative message for this year's International Day of Peace.

This year’s celebration has the theme: "End racism, Build peace," and Member Nations of the United Nations were enjoined to mark the day with the aim of strengthening the ideals of peace globally.

Dr. Audi, in a statement by the NSCDC spokesman, Olusola Odumosu, emphasized that the nation can only progress politically, socially, and economically when all citizens and leaders in various capacities exhibit tendencies that will promote peace, unity, equity, and justice in all facets of human endeavour.

He warned that Nigeria, as heterogeneous and most populated country in Africa, require her citizens to live in peace and avoid acts capable of dividing the country or causing disaffection among various ethnic, religious, or political groups.

The CG stressed that embracing negative vices like tribal or ethnic discrimination, and religious and political intolerance is inimical and detrimental to the stability and growth of the nation.

He also warned against indulgence in criminal acts such as willful destruction of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, ethnic agitations, religious bigotry, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism that promotes insecurity in the country.

The NSCDC helmsman stated that the Corps is determined and committed to peace and security of the country through the implementation of its statutory mandate.

He reiterated that conflicts should be avoided as much as possible because of their effects which include deaths, injuries, population displacement, destruction of assets, and disruption of social and economic systems.

He advised on the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to resolve various disputes emanating from our day-to-day activities and interactions.

He noted that all efforts of the Corps and other security agencies to enforce law and order will amount to nothing if the public whom the agencies were established to serve fails to imbibe peaceful conduct in their daily life.

He advised citizens to approach the Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit of the Corps in all its formations nationwide to help resolve crises and conflicts through the ADR.

He called on parents, guardians, traditional, religious, and political leaders, educational institutions, leaders of associations, Civil Society Organizations, pressure groups, and trade unions to consider engagements in peace advocacies to entrench stability for development to thrive.

Consequent to the United Nation's declaration of 21st September of every year as International Day of Peace also known as World Peace Day, the CG directed all state commands through the Peace and Conflicts Resolution Unit, to mark the global event significantly by organizing programmers to sensitize members of the public on the importance of peace as a panacea for development.