Be ambassadors for peace, NOIPolls boss tells Nigerians

An appeal has gone out to Nigerians to imbibe a culture of peace in agitating for whatever bothers them and ensuring that the interest of the country is paramount in all they do at all times.

Making the appeal in a press statement to the United Nations (UN) International Day of Peace, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NOIPolls, Dr. Bell Ihua, also charged constituted authorities to consider more strategic options in dealing with conflicts and violent extremism.

Urging all Nigerians to work towards being peace ambassadors for the country, the NOIPolls boss said, “all Nigerians are encouraged to be ambassadors of peace. These options should generally include dialogue with emphasis on fostering unity in diversity.

Government is also urged to take critical steps towards eradicating poverty and enable the environment for job creation.

“This is because, from several poll, we have identified that two major factors often responsible for crime, extremism and insecurity are poverty and unemployment.

If these two factors are tackled, particularly amongst the youth demographics, it would go a long way in ensuring sustainable peace and development.”

According to the organization, some findings from some of its past Polls on security and conflict in Nigeria highlighted the negative effects of terrorism, conflicts and insecurity on the populace. For instance, one of its polls on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), conducted in February 2015 in partnership with Social Welfare Network Initiative, revealed a rising number of IDPs in the country resulting from ‘Terrorist attacks’ (75 percent) in the North-East region (98 percent) and flooding (18 percent) in the North-Central (Markurdi).

“Furthermore, the series of conflicts between farmers and herdsmen in the recent years have also led to the destruction of lives and properties. The Southern Kaduna crisis in December 2016 was another major conflict which had a negative impact on the lives of the Kaduna populace.

Similarly, the struggle for an independent state by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), recently proscribed by the Federal Government as a terrorist group, has led to mass protests and killings in the South-East,” it noted

They noted that the United Nations (UN) International Day of Peace which was observed worldwide on September 21st aimed to strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples and also to recognise the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace all over the world.

The theme for 2017 was “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All” and it honoured the spirit of TOGETHER, a global initiative that promotes respect, safety and dignity for everyone forced to flee their homes and those leaving in search of a better life.

This year, the International Day of Peace focused on engaging and mobilising people throughout the world to show support for refugees and migrants.

In the light of this, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, during this year’s celebration stated that in time of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats, “therefore people must resist cynical efforts to divide communities and portray neighbours as ‘the other’.”

He added, “Together, let us stand up against bigotry and for human rights. Together, let us build bridges. Together, let us transform fear into hope.”