The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Peace

  • Youth, women, religious leaders, media call for global peace

    From September 17th to 19th, about 2,000 of representatives from various sectors such as political leaders, faith leaders, women and youth organizations, educators, and media  visited South Korea to attend 2018 HWPL World Peace Summit.

     In an effort to find solutions to achieve sustainable peace, the participants discussed their roles and actionable plans in relation to the enactment of the international law for peace, the development of peace education, the promotion of a culture of peace as well as religious harmony.

     On the last day of the 3-day summit, the host organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) held sectoral conferences for members of youth and women organizations, religious leaders, and media.

    The Role of the Youth and Women in Realizing Peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the World

    Organized by International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), an affiliated group of HWPL, the youth session titled ‘The Role of the Youth in Spreading a Culture of Peace for the Realization of World Peace’ had an agenda of the support and the participation of youth for the ‘Peace letter campaign’.

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    <We are one, Chairman of HWPL and youth of IPYG>

    Peace letter campaign is one of the peace projects of IPYG to urge the government to support the implementation of the international law for peace based on the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).

     Mr. Herculano Amaral, Coordinator of International Rotary Club of Dili Lafaek in Timor-Leste, introduced the result of the peace letter campaign. “Last year, IPYG members of Timor-Leste Branch met the former president and introduced about HWPL and IPYG’s activities. And this year, our team convey the documents of the DPCW and a peace letter to the cabinet of the president. The movement is intended to get support from the president of our country and also those who involved in the decision making.”

     In particular, this year’s conference also aimed to call for the support for the peaceful reunification on the Korean Peninsula. According to the General Director of IPYG, Mr. Young Min Chung, IPYG has made progress within Korea. The Declaration of Unification of Korea, declared by Chairman of HWPL in 2010, stated the need for the two leaders of Korea to listen to the voices of the Korean citizens. To achieve this, thousands of youths in Korea have written peace letters to President Moon to voice their support for the unification. At the same time, hundreds of political leaders from around the world wrote letters to urge the leader of North Korea to talk to HWPL for the peace of the Korean peninsula.

     

    In the same vein, “2018 Worldwide Women’s Peace Conference” was held by International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) affiliated with HWPL to share the progress of its peace activity such as women’s peace education and plant peace campaign and to discuss the role of women leaders to bring peace in the world as well as to the last divided nation, Korea.

    peace, women

    On the topic of the conference, Former First Lady of Croatia, Dr. Tatjana Josipović said, “The only legitimate and reasonable politics is to search for the permanent peace, without any violence. Women in the creative fields of activities can contribute to the implementation of peace influencing other people to advocate the DPCW to become a binding legal instrument. I think the provisions of the DPCW should be not only a moral obligation but to be binding rules for all world leaders. Our voice must be heard from political institutions, art scene, sports fields, classrooms, and media to warn humanity that we must do everything to stop wars and violence once forever.”

     

    4th International Religious Leaders’ Conference: Spreading the Culture of Seeking a Trustworthy Scripture to Realize the Era of Peace

    World religious leaders from 20 different denominations gathered together to promote the culture of peace among religions and seek for the dedication of faith leaders to realize peace. For this, the members of ‘Solidarity of Religions’ Peace Committee’ were appointed as a role of spreading the culture of seeking a trustworthy scripture.

    peace, religious

    The Most Rev. Wattegama Dhammawasa Nayaka Thero, President of Sri Subodharama International Buddhist Center in Sri Lanka, said, “Even though my place is peaceful right now, we cannot be completely free from conflicts deeply. Religious extremists do not practice their own religion and some hold strongly to their own religious views, hence conflicts and misunderstandings occur due to this discrepancy. Therefore, I could agree the goal of HWPL that we should find out the most trustworthy scripture that can overcome the differences of ideologies among religions to achieve world peace.” stressing the need for the religious harmony based on a trustworthy scripture.

     

    Speaking about the need of the comparative studies of the scripture, Chairman of HWPL said, “Why do people need the scripture? It is because the scripture leads the righteous way for people. Thoughts or wisdom of one’s own can’t be defined as a scripture. At this time, the comparative studies of scripture are the most urgent since it is the definite way for the religions to become one.”

     

    2nd Conference for Global Peace Media Network: International Peace Media Community, “Peace Initiative”

    Journalists and representatives of media outlets from about 30 countries took part in the conference for global peace media network where the peace media platform ‘Peace Initiative (PI)’ launched.

     

    ‘Peace Initiative’ is designed by the ideas of the journalists around the world in order to spread the news of peace and promote peace journalism with protecting the freedom of the press. To forge the cooperative partnership for ‘PI’, participated representatives of media outlets and HWPL signed an MOU.

    peace, media

    Ahead of the addresses from the journalist, Former President of Tunisia and Bishop of Poona diocese delivered the messages on the significance of the role of media to promote peace in the mind of people and the society.

     

    As a special speaker, H.E. Dr. Moncef Marzouki, Former President of Tunisia, emphasized the mission of the media. “As a human rights activist, I know how much I owe to the independent press that has always unveiled the violations of the dictatorship in Tunisia and the Arab world and thus contributed largely to the Arab Spring. Today there is a new mission. In the face of the surge of hatred, rumors and false information that infect social networks, only honest and serious journalists are the guarantors of the truth, which is the essential condition for peace in hearts and minds. I am sure you will live up to the immense task ahead and wish you good luck in this vital mission.”

     

    Mr. Avtandil Otinashvili, Editor in Chief of Newsday in Georgia, said “We journalists should let the whole society know about the peace-building efforts of various sectors of the society. By raising awareness of peace through news reporting, we can stop those innocent people, especially youth from losing their lives in the futility of war. I believe it is our noble duty and responsibility as a journalist.”

    “In this context, I am glad that HWPL and journalists from different countries considered the need to create a ‘Global Peace Media Network’ in order not only to inform the population about the existence of conflicts but also to outline ways to resolve them. We are confident that the content called ‘peaceinitiative.net’ will become the platform that will prepare and disseminate information on the subject of peace, which, in turn, contributes to establishing peace on our planet.” he added.

    The conference concluded that the participants signed “Joint Statement on Media Cooperation for Press Freedom and Global Peace” which contained the mutual assistance and cooperation to foster global peace through sharing peace-related news, to report to help protect human rights as well as democracy, and to take joint action onto inhumane atrocities.

    The host of this summit, Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL participated in each session and delivered his message to the attendees, the peace-builders. “We founded HWPL for the security and peace in the world. However, HWPL cannot achieve world peace and the cessation of war by itself. Power of an individual is merely that of one person. However, if these individuals gather, we can foster great strength. If we abide by the DPCW of 10 articles 38 clauses, we can achieve peace. For this very reason, everyone should acknowledge and promote the DPCW. Let every one of you become one and achieve peace. We are one!”

     

     

  • Group engages students on tolerance, peace

    Students of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) gathered at the left wing of ETF Building to share ideas on how to make next year’s general elections peaceful. It was at a seminar organised by Global African Christians for Liberty Initiative (GACLI) – a non-profit organisation working with young people to promote tolerance.

    Speaking on Tolerance and peace in view of the 2019 elections, GACLI President, Bishop Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, emphasised the importance of tolerance to creating a peaceful society, urging Nigerians to accept the differences in language, ethnicity and religions which he described as “God’s wish”.

    If the general election must be peaceful, Bishop Ezeugo said young people must always share and promote message of tolerance in their engagement with people who hold different views and opinions. He hailed the participants for making to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and admonished them not to vote along religious or tribal lines.

    He said: “As youths, we have the power to make a change. We may not be happy with how things are turning out in the country, but we must use our number to create future we desire. We must avoid voting for politicians because they are from our states, or because we practise the same religion. We should rather look at the policies they plan to implement in our country.”

    Bishop Ezeugo encouraged participants to be tolerant of one another, noting that “an eye for an eye” would only create a society that would not be inhabitable for a living.

    “Our diversity is what makes us who we are,” he said, adding: “Tolerance would help us to live without crisis, be it political, religious, tribal or otherwise.”

    The youthful clergyman pointed out that it was only through tolerance people could learn from one another’s culture, traditions and ideologies, which, he said, would facilitate understanding and foster social interactions free from conflict.

    He called for a separation between religion and politics, stating that religion should be personal conviction, while politics should be about the use of state power to govern.

    Spiritualism, he said, should have nothing to do with physical nature of politics, saying no religion should be used to determine government’s policies in a multi-religious society.

    He drew an instance from the situation in Myanmar, where the Rohingya tribe, the country’s Muslim minority population, is being persecuted by the predominantly Buddhist majority. Bishop Ezeugo said he believed the religious leanings of a country’s leader should not be reflected on his public policies.

    Driving conversation on Why Africa is poor, a Kenyan freedom advocate, Miss Linda Kavuka, engaged the participants on why societies in Africa should create their growths through free markets capitalism, which she said remain the better alternative to the socialist system in many countries.

    In the interactive session, a section of the participants believed Africa is not poor because of the abundance of natural resources, while others believed that lack of good leadership was the reason for poverty on the continent.

    Some participants were of the opinion that bad leadership gave rise to corruption and embezzlement of public funds that could be invested in the development.

    But quoting Ghanaian Economist, Prof George Ayittey, Miss Kavuka said Africa was poor because governments kept depending on aid from the West and, now, from China. At the end of the discussion, the participants came to an agreement that Africa did not need more aid that could plunge the continent into debts, but needed accountable leadership that will respect the rule of law, equality before the law, human rights, tolerance and peace.

    Emmanuel Oche of the Department of Political Science, urged the participants to live in peace with people of different backgrounds wherever they find themselves.

    He said societies could achieve prosperity when there is peace. To achieve the peace, he said spreading message of tolerance remained the key.

  • House of Reps aspirant calls for party loyalty, peace

    A house of Representatives aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, has called on party stakeholhers, particularly within his constituency, to remain peaceful and true to the visions of the founding fathers of the party.

    Ajanuku who is eyeing  the party’s ticket for Ibadan Southwest/Northwest Federal Constituencysaid the ruling APC remains the party to beat in the 2019 general elections.

    The aspirant made the remarks while addressing his supporters, as he rounded off visits to the wards in his constituency, to consult stakeholders and members.

    Ajanaku, who kicked-off the recent tour from Ibadan Northwest Local Government, had earlier met with the party leadership in Ibadan Southwest and Northwest Local Governments, to intimate them of his ambition, as well as to present gift items, including food stuffs, cash, materials among others, in the spirit of the Eid-al-Adha celebration.

    The aspirant was well received by stakeholhers in all the wards and was assured of their support to emerge victorious in the primary and the general elections next year.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Peace remains most critical need – Ishaku

    Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku on Tuesday reminded Muslims that peace remains the most critical need in Nigeria especially in Taraba State where many residents have died and thousands displaced from their ancestral homes to crisis.

    He spoke in a statement while rejoicing with Muslims on the Eid-el-Kabir. “I wish all Muslims a happy, peaceful and delightful Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” the statement said.

    The governor’s Sallah felicitation message was delivered by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan Abu.

    “I rejoice with the Muslim Ummah in Taraba State as they join their counterparts in Nigeria and all over the world to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

    “Peace remains the most critical need of the state and this can only be achieved and sustained if the people remain united against the agents of destabilisation; against those who are bent on causing breakdown of law and order in the land,” the governor said.

    Ishaku prayed for “Allah’s abundant blessings and benevolence upon Nigerians.” He thank God for the gift of life, and reminded Sallah celebrants of the need for them to continue to work very hard for peace in Taraba and the country.

    Read Also: Eid-El-Kabir: Embrace peace, love – Lagos APC women leader

    The governor re-assured them of government’s commitment to his “rescue agenda” which he noted, has already impacted positively in job creation and skills acquisition and also led to an unprecedented improvements in WAEC scores by Taraba students.

    “The provision of water to more than 250 communities, renovation and re-equipment of major hospitals in the state and construction of major roads in the three senatorial zone etc, are only a few of the numerous achievements my administration has put in place.

    “In the years ahead, a lot more will be done in terms of service delivery and in support of the welfare of the people. Let me urge all indigenes and non-indigenes of the state to continue to support this administration.”

  • Eid-El-Kabir: Embrace peace, love – Lagos APC women leader

    Muslims in Nigeria especially Lagos state have been enjoined to embrace peace, love and unity in order to build the society of “our dream together.”

    Lagos state Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas stated this in a statement made available to journalists as Muslims celebrate this year’s edition of Eid-El-Kabir.

    Okoya-Thomas said further in the statement, which was signed by her media aide, Oladipupo Awojobi that it is a thing of joy for “all of us to be alive to celebrate another Sallah in good health.

    “My warmest wishes to you on this solemn festival of Eid-El-Kabir. May the blessing of Allah fill your life with peace, joy and good health.

    “We, the women of our great party, the APC are happy that Nigerian Muslims are joining numerous other Muslims from across the world to celebrate another Eid-El-Kabir.

    “This is an annual event that brings to mind how Allah replaced Ismail with a ram for Prophet Ibrahim. May He replace your sorrow with joy and your few with abundance.

    “As we are celebrating another Eid-El-Kabir, we should all remember that Prophet Mohammed (SAW) stood for peace, love and unity in his life time. Nigerian Muslims and indeed all Nigerians should realise the need for us to learn to live together as one and embrace tolerance as a people.

    “While we are not unmindful of our challenges as a nation, we should all realise that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and that we can do better than we are currently doing. We should not over celebrate bearing in mind that we have a lot on our hands as a nation.

    “The current government of the APC both at the federal and state levels, are working hard to make sure that things get better and ensure that we move forward even as we approach another general elections in the country,” Okoya-Thomas said in the statement.

    The Women Leader was quoted to have reminded the Muslims in Nigeria of the need to use the Sallah period to pray for Nigeria, adding that no nation can make progress without peace, love and unity.

    Read Also: Eid-el Kabir: Monarch urges Nigerians to be tolerant

    She said further in the statement that the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir calls for sober reflection and that Muslims in the country should stand for the development of Nigeria, which she said could only happen in an atmosphere of tranquillity and peace.

    “We need peace in Nigeria to catch up with the developed countries of the world and time has come for us once again to remind ourselves of that simple fact that we have spent enough time battling insurgency all over the country.”

    The Women Leader then called for support for the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, who she said have done much for the people in the last three years that they got to office.

    Okoya-Thomas reiterated that the APC remains the party with the best solutions to the problems confronting the country and that the federal and Lagos State governments have handled issues maturedly and have potentials to do more.

    “What is needed is cooperation from members of the public and I believe that this Sallah period gives us an opportunity to get across to the people even as we are celebrating one of the most important anniversaries in Islamic religion.

    “Once again, receive my simple gift of ” Eid Mubarak” wrapped with sincerity tied with care and sealed with a prayer to keep you safe everyday, ” the statement read.

  • Youths sue for peace, demand more political roles

    A group, The New Nigeria Youth Movement, aka Youth Movement for Better Nigeria, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to overhaul the security apparatus following wanton killings across the nation.

    Its president, Comrade Folarin Adekanbi, told reporters in Lagos that Nigerians must work collectively to guarantee peace in the nation.

    Lamenting the massive loss of lives and property through Boko Harm insurgency and herdsmen killings, Adekanbi said the attacks on defenceless communities and villagers were barbaric.

    He warned the situation could degenerate into an ethno-religious war if not checked.

    “Any act of abuse of a right of any citizen of the country is condemnable and unacceptable irrespective of the class , creed or religious divide of the perpetrator, as it contradicts the provisions of the laws of the land.

    “We have to be careful so that we don’t plunge the nation into a war with ethnic and religious colouration that would be difficult to end,” he stressed.

    He urged the army and other security agencies to be more professional in engagements with civil populace to avoid tarnishing their image before the international community.

    He noted the police in recent times have come under bad light for the incessant harassment of innocent citizens, advising concerned authorities to checkmate these excesses to improve relations with Nigerians.

    Publicity Secretary of the group, Festus Akinrinde, canvassed for more inclusion of youths in political decision- making, noting youths are not just good in entertainment and sports but will also do wonders if given the opportunity in politics.

  • Sultan tasks politicians on national peace, unity

    THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday urged politicians to ensure sustained peace and unity of the country.

    Sultan Abubakar gave the advice in his Eid-el-Fitr message to Nigerians delivered in Sokoto.

    He said that the challenges being encountered in the country were numerous and were mostly initiated by some selfish politicians.

    He said: “As we are approaching the political era, it is our hope that politicians in the country will allow the peace and unity of Nigeria.

    “Moreover, our youths should stay peaceful and not allow any selfish politician to use them in distracting the relative peace and unity in the country.

    “Distraction of peaceful democracy in any society will only set it back in all areas of human development.”

    The monarch further urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of the security agencies toward securing the country, pointing out that security is a collective responsibility.

    He praised the efforts of the federal and Sokoto state governments towards restoring the lost glories of the educational and agricultural sectors, and called on Nigerians to support such efforts.

    The royal father urged Muslims to reflect on, and uphold the virtues of Ramadan, which he said includes patience, perseverance and brotherliness.

    While wishing all Nigerians happy Sallah celebration, the Sultan appealed to them to sustain their prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari, state governors and all other leaders in the country.

    Emir Sanusi tasks leaders, warn youths against drug abuse

    On his part, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, called on the government at all levels to take appropriate measures to address the educational backwardness of the people of Northern ‎Nigeria.

    He also urge government to curb the menace of drug abuse, which he said has become a canker worm in the society.

    Speaking shortly after the Eid-el-Fitr sermon held at the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground yesterday, the Emir observed that the North has been left behind educationally.

    The rise in social vices, he said, is occasioned by the high rate of illiteracy, which he said is becoming a source of concern to North’s leaders.

    He said: “It is thigh time Northerners wake up from their slumber and critically reflect on the backward role they are occupying, making others to look down on them.

    “I believe that it is this same social phenomena that‎ spurs our teeming youths to ignorantly be on hard drugs, leading thousands of them to abandon the vigorous pursuit of their academic agenda to waywardness.

    “If Northerners really want ‎to do things differently, we must do away with idleness and remain focused in our drive to attain self-actualization or else remain in perpetual poverty of the mind, which is more dangerous than that of the pocket.”

    He used the opportunity to call on the Muslim Ummah to be their brothers’ keepers, adding: “I urge you to use the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr to extend hands of friendship to our neighbours who are not of the same faith.

    “Let’s stay together as Nigerians and work towards her socio-economic prosperity and overall development for the betterment of all.”

    Ooni felicitates with Muslims

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, felicitated with Muslims all over the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan.

    The traditional ruler charged Muslims to imbibe the spirit of religious tolerance to enable them to coexist peacefully with the adherents of other religious faiths.

    He described the Ramadan as a month of purity and faithfulness for the Muslims all over the world, and urged Muslims to emulate Prophet Mohammed, who remains an embodiment of the tenets of Qur’an and principles of Ramadan.

    Oba Ogunwusi, while admonishing the Muslim faithful to abstain from any act of ungodliness, bemoaned the attitude of some people in positions of authority, who during or after Ramadan, refuse to desist from ungodly acts. And “purify your souls, repent your wrongdoings, observe self-sacrifices and devote your attentions to peaceful coexistence with members of other religious sects, as all human beings serve one single God.“

    The Ooni, who is currently on a two-week peace and unity visit to Brazil, sent the goodwill message through a statement.

  • Pray for national peace, violence-free 2019 elections, says NLC

    THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for national peace and unity as the nation heads towards its general election next year.

    It also urged the people to work towards violence-free and credible elections.

    The congress also called on the federal government to listen to the cries of Nigerian workers and approve the demand for a new minimum wage in the spirit of the Eid-el-Fitri.

    In a goodwill message on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri yesterday, President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, expressed the hope that the will of Nigerian voters would prevail in the 2019 polls.

    He said: “Eid-el-Fitr teaches us to love and to share.

    “In view of the divisive political current flowing all over Nigeria and mainly driven by irresponsible politics, it is important that we learn that united in love and sharing we stand, divided in prejudice and hate we fall!

    “The NLC urges every Nigerian Muslim and all citizens to fully imbibe the virtues of Eid-el-Fitr.

    “Well, in the midst of harrowing general inflation, Nigerian workers have soldiered on in self-denial, dedication and diligence as partners in the onerous mission of nation building.

    “The government can make workers’ load lighter by quickly approving the demand of organised labour for a new national minimum wage.

    “Organised labour appreciates all Muslims for praying for Nigeria during this year’s Ramadan.

    “As we gradually approach another election year in 2019, we urge all Nigerians to intensify prayers for national peace and work towards a violence-free and credible elections.

    “It is our prayer that in the 2019 elections, the will of the Nigerian electorate will prevail, be respected and the blessings of Eid-el-Fitr will abide with us.”

    Why Nigerians must imbibe Ramadan lessons -TUC

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) says Nigerians must imbibe the lessons of the Ramadan to move the country forward.

    The TUC, in a statement yesterday, said that Ramadan goes beyond the spiritual aspect of fasting.

    It said virtues like personal sacrifice, piety and self-denial must now be embraced by all in the interest of the country.

    “The deficiency of these virtues is the fundamental reason why countries we were at par with in the 1970s have all left us behind,” it said in the statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Musa-Lawal Ozidi.

    It added: “The time to look beyond all artificial social, political and economic divisions, including minor ethnic and religious differences in society, is now.

    “All faithful must abide strictly with the teachings of the Koran and Prophet Mohammed.

    “We implore all Nigerians to be patriotic and strictly allow the cardinal principles of our respective religions to reflect in all our dealings, as it remains the way we can ensure peace and unity of the nation. We should exhibit oneness to be able to stand strong together through diverse difficulties and challenges. We must focus on the things that bind us together.

    “That is the new Nigeria we want.”

  • APC stalwart seeks peace

    A STALWART of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Chief Remi Williams, has urged the warring factions in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

    Williams, who spoke during his 89th birthday in Ajegunle, Lagos, said the best birthday gift the two personalities involved in the rancour could give to him was to eschew bitterness and exhibit tolerance in their dealings.

    He appealed to the supporters to see themselves as members of one family and thus love one another.

    The birthday boy warned them against being violent so that their actions would not threaten the relative peace in Ajegunle and its environs.

    Pa Williams, who noted that in partisan politics, there could be disagreements, said the important thing was to resolve the disagreements amicably in the spirit of give and take or sportsmanship.

    He urged the state party leaders to intervene in the matter and ensure that both parties were satisfied with the outcome so the crisis won’t disturb the elections.

  • Council chair urges peace

    The Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Kayode Adejare Omiyale, has appealed to the warring parties in Makoko to sheath their swords.

    He promised that the government will unravel the cause of the crisis.

    Hoodlums yesterday burnt The Arts of Apostolic Church building. The land on which the church is built has been a subject of litigation for long.

    Pastor Bamidele Okunmayi, a member of the Central Executive Committee, said the hoodlums were many.

    He said: “The worshippers are men of peace but the assailants came with evil intention.”

    Okunmayi added that the police are also culpable, saying the police station is not from the church.