Date: 2017-10-02

As part of activities to commemorate the 2017 United Nations (UN) International Day of Peace, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria on Thursday, 21 September held a Peace Summit in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

In 1981, the UN set aside every 21st of September as the International Day of Peace to ruminate over the devastating consequences of violent conflicts around the world and reiterate the indispensability of peace to global development. The theme of this year’s celebration, "Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for all" is generally adjudged appropriate even in a time like this.

The Peace Summit organized by JCI Nigeria through its Peace Is Possible campaign was well attended by people from diverse backgrounds including business magnates, students’ leaders, representatives of civil society organisations, security agencies and government officials across the country.

Themed "Identifying the barriers and pathways to peace in Nigeria", the Summit featured solution-driven keynote speeches, stimulating panel sessions and interactive discussions.

While delivering his keynote address titled "Shaping language to achieve peace", Prof. Tunde Ajiboye of the University of Ilorin described peace as an atmosphere of tranquility, neutrality, faith and inner positive disposition. He emphasized the importance of the appropriate use of language as a pathway to sustainable peace in Nigeria.

The first panel session featured a Journalist, Femi Tunde Okunlola, Jimoh Olalekan—Founder of Passion for Peace Initiative, Sukurat Adelodun—Founder of Hope for Girls and Women Foundation and Agripreneur Rotimi Olawale, who discussed how the challenges of peace in Nigeria can better be tackled.

Preceded by comments and creative questions from guests and the all-enthused participants, the second panel session drew from the experiences of Mandela Washington Fellow Badejoko Adewale, Gender-Based Violence Advocate Sa’adat Bibire and Sustainable Development Goals Advocate Olasupo Abideen on the roles of young people in building peace in Nigeria.

The event also featured an interactive session led by JCI Nigeria President Babajide Richard Ojo wherein participants shared their thoughts on the solutions to several ethno-religious conflicts bedeviling Nigeria including the lingering Boko Haram insurgency, Biafra Agitation, Farmers/Herdsmen clashes amongst others.

According to Paul Akingbola, the Peace is Possible campaign Director who is also the Peace Summit Convener, "Peace is not just the absence of war, but the prevalence of justice is. Young people, being the most vulnerable tool for the perpetration of violence have the power to enthrone peace in the world. It is high time we all as young people not only committed to, but also took positive actions towards building the peaceful Nigeria of our dream".

"Since the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 emphasizes the importance of "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions" to development locally and globally, a constructive pondering on the socioeconomic havoc wrecked by violent conflicts is but a timely action," he added.

In her closing keynote address, South Africa's Mariette Hopley, who is the Let's Do It World's Ambassador for African Continent, emphasised the importance of living in peace within ourselves as individuals before we can, with the world around. According to her, this is because the quest for a peaceful and just society begins all of us as citizens.

It would be recalled that in preparation for this year's Peace Day celebration, JCI International with support from the Government of Sarawak held an International Summit on Peace in Sarawak, Kuching, Malaysia between 6 and 8 of September. Paul Akingbola was Nigeria’s Delegate to the Summit which had more than 600 young people from nearly 125 countries in attendance.

MSNBC News anchor, Richard Lui delivered the Opening Keynote address at the Summit while Former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan gave the Closing Keynote address.

Report Written by:

Ologuntere Azeem, 500l Law student

UNILORIN.