INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE 2024: CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF PEACE INEVITABLE FOR ANY COMMUNITIES TO DEVELOP.

By Raymond Enoch

As people around the world joins in marking the International Day of Peace, government and stakeholders in Taraba State have been urged to prioritize educating the youth on the values of tolerance and empathy.

The Chairman of the Taraba State Independent Peace Committee, Professor Talla Sunday Ngarka, made this call during a lecture commemorating the International Day of Peace.

The event, organized by Search for Common Ground, was held on September 21, 2024, at the Grand Shield Hotel, Jalingo.

Speaking on the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” Professor Talla emphasized the need for stakeholders to promote dialogue, empathy, and human rights, stressing that peace must be nurtured in the minds of children and communities across all generations. “Peace is not simply the absence of war; it is a day-to-day practice,” he said, highlighting the critical roles of governments, NGOs, and civil society in fostering sustainable peace. He also pointed out the significant influence of religious and traditional leaders in promoting peace.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Taraba State Peace Architecture Dialogue (PAD), Professor Joseph Lucas, noted that while conflict may be inevitable, the response to it remains a choice. “Dialogue, respect, and collaboration are the foundations upon which peace is built,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Project Coordinator of Search for Common Ground, Dubi Sonam, urged participants to reflect on their roles in fostering peace. He described peace as a norm that must be ingrained for any community to thrive, adding that concerted efforts by key stakeholders, through advocacy and sensitization, are essential in promoting peaceful coexistence.

The event was attended by key stakeholders from Taraba State, including representatives from the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Correctional Service, NSCDC, and various civil society organizations.