International Peace Day: Osun NSCDC Charges Nigerians To Shun Racism, Embrace Peace

As the world celebrates the 2022 International Peace Day, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) Osun State Command has urged Nigerians to embrace peace, avoid divisive comments, work to end racism and promote equality in the interest of the development of the country.

The Osun State Commandant, Sunday Agboola, made the call in Osogbo, Osun State capital, at a one-day sensitization and awareness program organised by the command to mark this year International peace day.

The programme, which commenced with a Peace Walk within Osogbo Metropolis ended with the convergence of all officers and men at the Command, traditional rulers, and other Stakeholders in the state for Lectures on the 2022 theme “End racism, Build Peace.“

Speaking on the importance of the International Peace Day Celebration, the Commandant highlighted the importance of combating racism and building societies in which all people are treated equally.

Commandant Agboola further emphasized on the need for Nigerian populace and groups to shun racism and embrace peace in their various communities.

NSCDC will always try its best in creating awareness seeking to address inclusion and tolerance, which will help to end racism, promote equal rights, and social justice in order to build lasting peace,“ he said.

The NSCDC state helmsman called on all Nigerians to jettison violence and conflict for dialogue and peace, adding that at a time when conflict and violence often monopolize news cycles, the International Day of Peace provides a globally shared date for individuals to alter their behaviour, which, when multiplied across cities and nations, has the potential to develop a more peaceful society.

According to Osun NSCDC boss, “Where there is racism, there would not be development whatsoever”.

“Peace is an inevitable and essential component of our daily lives, a bedrock upon which violent free society thrives. It is in recognition of this account that the United Nation has declared a day to be celebrated internationally as a Day of Peace.

” The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nation General Assembly and in 2001, it was unanimously voted by the General Assembly to designate the day as a period of non-violence and cease fire.

Speaking, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya 11, said people should eschew racism in order to aid societal development.

The Elerinmo who enjoined government to bring power to royal institution in the country as one of the solutions to end insecurity commended the NSCDC for organising such a programme and their efforts towards the safety of life and property.

The Prominent Traditional monarch said: Traditional Rulers are set of the people closest to the grassroots, they know their people well, both the good, the bad and the ugly. As a matter of fact, Traditional Rulers need some delegated powers, empowerment and authority from the government to handle them and bring them to justice”.