2022 International Day of Peace: A Call To World Peace!

As the world marks the 2022 International Day of Peace, with the Theme: “End Racism, Build Peace”, the leader of the United Nations, UN, Positive Livelihood Award Centre, POLAC, have appealed to everyone, especially Nigerians to embrace Peace against the background of the nation’s security challenges.

Amb. Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, who is the International Director/Country President, UN-POLAC made this call for Peace, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, stating that, “Until Peace is put in its proper position, there would never be progress, thus again today, we appeal for the end of various evil devices of segregation, such as racism, tribalism, nepotism etc., and enjoins all to embrace and build peace, locally, nationally and internationally.”

Amb. Adesanya-Davies gives the instance of terrorism in Nigeria, says it is appalling according to experts, “The country is awash with insecurity and lacks peace and now ranks 2nd most terrorised country globally after Iraq”, as reported on September 2, 2022 by Blueprint.

“Nigeria has been ranked second most attacked country by the Islamic State terrorist group globally, according to the data by an acclaimed global and international terrorism research group, Jihad Analytics, with Iraq being the first and Syria being the third in the world.

“The report which was made in its half year report spanning January to June 2022 stated that while Iraq recorded 337 terrorists attacks, Nigeria recorded 305 attacks with Syria coming third following 142 terrorists’ attacks.

The most recent and daring attacks by the terrorist group including attacks on the Owo Catholic Church in Ondo State, the Train attack on Kaduna-Abuja rail line, the attack on the Kuje Medium Security Correctional Centre, Abuja leading to freeing of 66 Boko Haram Commanders among other criminals have made observers question the claims.

The terrorists group also attacked troops of the Presidential Guards Brigade troops both at Dutse and Zuma Rock in Abuja some soldiers and officers died etc,.

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

In addition, the Secretary-General António Guterres has explained that, “Achieving true peace even entails much more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.”

Adesanya-Davies concludes, “If any society desires to flourish and make progress, PEACE must be their watch word.” Let’s remember one of the great advocates of peace, late Queen Elizabeth of great memory, and let us build the nations and world Peace as the entire world mourn her demise in this period.