A leading Humanitarian Organization dedicated to promoting global harmony under the aegis of Aviary Association Worldwide, Oluyole chapter, Oyo state in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) has called on Nigerians of diverse ethnic, religious, and political backgrounds to cultivate the habit of peace and respect for human rights.
The organization maintained that there can be no alternative to peace and tranquility in any society as they form the bedrock upon which any meaningful development can take place in any civilized society.
Dr Abimbola Ladapo, the Chairman of the organization in Oyo state, states this yesterday, September 21 during the official commemoration of the 2024 World Peace Day held at the Conference Hall of Ibadan North Local Government, Ibadan.
Delivering a speech with the theme, “Cultivating The Habit of Peace”, Dr Ladapo who spoke on behalf of the global president of Aviary Worldwide, Tobi Parker, said this year’s theme was carefully crafted amidst the ongoing global crisis among nations of the world.
Dr Ladapo quoted famous scientist and philosopher, Albert Einstein as saying ‘peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by
understanding’, and urged Nigerians to show commitment to the peace by displaying respect for humans rights of one another.
The International Day of Peace established in 1981 by the United Nations General was set aside to be celebrated and commemorated globally on the 21st of September annually.
“The Peace Day is devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples. It is a day for humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace, it epitomises the joint
aspiration for a world devoid of discord and turmoil and also aims to build a more peaceful world for everyone who lives in it.
“This year’s event focuses on cultivating the culture of peace and importance of taking action and persistently advocating for peace. Atrocities, wars, and violence must be stopped, and cooperation, passion, and hope should be the driving forces leading us towards a better future.
“The theme of this year’s
commemoration was framed from the notion that ‘wars begin in the minds of men, so it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed’. The ideas of peace, culture of peace, need to be cultivated in the minds of children and communities through formal and informal education across the countries and generations.
“The International Day of Peace has always been a time to lay down weapons and observe ceasefires but it now must be a time for people to see each other’s humanity. Our survival as a global community depends on that.
“The Aviary Association Worldwide in collaboration with the United Nations hereby call on all to join forces, in order to cultivate a culture of peace all over the world. It is no secret that the United Nations recognized that peace, not only is the absence of conflict, but also requires a positive, dynamic participatory process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are solved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation.
“The world is presently experiencing rising geo-political tensions and protracted conflicts, these has never been a better time to remember how the United Nations General Assembly lay out the values needed for a culture of peace.
“These include: respect for life, human rights and fundamental freedoms; the promotion of nonviolence through education, dialogue and cooperation; commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts and adherence to freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity,
cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding at all levels of societies and among nations.” Dr Ladapo said.
Delivering his lecture as the Guest Speaker the of the occasion, Honorable Femi Josiah, who was a former member of the Oyo state House of Assembly and Special Assistant on Community Relation to Governor Seyi Makinde, stress the need for Nigerians to embrace themselves as one regardless of tribal or religious differences.
The theme for this year’s observance, “Cultivating the Habit of Peace,” encourages communities around the world to engage in meaningful dialogue and action.Aviary Worldwide emphasizes that peace begins at the individual level, advocating for respect and understanding among diverse groups.
“In a world increasingly divided by conflict and misunderstanding, it is vital that we cultivate a habit of peace. Respecting individual rights is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative that strengthens the fabric of our societies.”
To mark the occasion, Aviary Worldwide has organized a series of events, including community forums, workshops, and peace walks in cities across the globe.
These initiatives aim to bring people together to discuss the importance of empathy, dialogue, and the protection of human rights.In addition to grassroots efforts, the organization has partnered with local governments and educational institutions to integrate peace education into curricula.
“We must teach the next generation the values of compassion and understanding, and by instilling these principles early, we can nurture a more peaceful future for the coming generation,” Hon. Josiah said.
Hon. Josiah however called on government at all levels, individuals and participants at the event to reflect on their role in promoting peace saying “It starts with small actions—listening to others, respecting differing viewpoints, and standing up for those whose rights are threatened.”
Also speaking, another guest lecturer from the Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Dr (Mrs.) Abosede Alabi, who spoke on cultivating the habit of peace and mental well-being cautioned against being insensitive to the rights of others.
She enjoyed participants to keep healthy interpersonal relationships at home, office, and public places, while urging them to contribute positively to community based development initiatives, take responsibility for issues bothering on collective public interest, and to keep positive mind and disposition to life at all times, warning against allowing life challenges to degenerate to transferred aggression on others which she said may result in violation of their rights.
In their separate remarks, participants at the commemorative event including members of the National Youth Services Corps (NYSC) civil organizations, agreed that there can be no alternative to peace and urged all to take home the core message of the event which was to maintain a bottom-up approach to peace; from local community to the national level as well as ensure respect for human rights.
Highlights of the event was the Peace walk within the Local Government Secretariat and the symbolic release of a white dove symbolizing peace to the nation. One minute silence was observed in honor of those who have lost their lives to various tragedies including terrorism and war in Nigeria and around the world.
