Agitation: Nigerians asked to end ethnic, religious division

AS the world celebrates the 2017 International Peace Day, a Non-Governmental Organisation, the Trees on Earth Foundation, has tasked Nigerians to end divisions along ethnic and religious lines in the country.

The executive director of the organisation, Moses Adedeji, said in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital in Wednesday, said there was the need for the people to stand together for peace, respect, safety, dignity for all and development.

According to him, the theme for the 2017 edition “Together for Peace, Respect, Safety and Dignity for All”, was timely and coming at a critical period in the national life premised by agitations for self-determination.

He said the  call for referendum and direct threats to boycott elections in Biafran territory from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and government’s response through the military exercise (Operation Python Dance 2) which has further fuelled tensions in the southeast made the theme more timely.

Adedeji noted that the situation in the country had brought about division along ethnic and religious lines with untold hate in the country.

He described peace as priceless and veritable tool in conflict resolution, management and in preventing and countering youths’ radicalisation and violent extremism in Nigeria.

The importance of peace cannot be overemphasized at this point in time hence the theme for this year’s International Peace Day. ”

He noted that the objective of the national policy framework on preventing and countering violent extremism produced by the Office of the National Policy Adviser is building safer, peaceful and resilient communities.

He added the foundation’s intervention on building community resilience through participation in North- Central had contributed to the realization of this national objective.

He said, “The theme for this day therefore brings to our collective consciousness the importance of peace through our approach, mind-set, attitude, roles and responsibilities. To this end, TEDF in collaboration with CLEEN Foundation will also carry out advocacy meetings to Traditional/Community leaders, Religious Leaders, Youths/Women Leaders to advocate for peace, respect, safety and dignity of all in Nigeria”.