By Umar Akilu Majeri Dutse.
The Wife of the Jigawa State Governor, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, has joined millions of Nigerians and people across the world in commemorating the International Day of Peace, urging citizens, particularly young people, to reject violence, hate speech, misinformation and other actions capable of dividing communities.
Hajiya Hadiza called on citizens to embrace dialogue, forgiveness, tolerance and mutual respect, regardless of differences in religion, ethnicity, political affiliation or social background.
She stressed that traditional rulers and religious leaders have important roles to play in promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening unity within their communities.
The First Lady also encouraged women and young people to continue serving as agents of peace and positive change, noting that their active participation was essential to building safer and more cohesive communities.
According to her, peace is a collective responsibility that cannot be achieved by government alone.
“Government alone cannot build a peaceful society. We must all work together as families, communities, religious institutions, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and government to create an environment where peace can flourish,” she said.
She further urged communities and civil society organisations to promote a society founded on justice, inclusion, equality and mutual respect.
She noted that the words people speak and the manner in which they treat others can either strengthen peace or create division, urging citizens to use their words and actions to promote understanding and harmony.
Speaking separately, the Chairman of the Civil Society Coalition on Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution, Comrade Musbahu Basirka, said maintaining peace should not be seen as the sole responsibility of government and security agencies.
“Peace is everybody’s business,” he said, calling on governments at all levels, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women, civil society organisations and mediators to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing.
He said greater collaboration among stakeholders would help promote public safety, prevent conflicts and build peaceful communities.
