Mixed feelings as Nigeria marks World Peace Day

Zainab Maina,

Minister of Women Affairs

Mixed feelings as Nigeria marks World Peace Day
Hauwa Abubakar, Abuja

Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to mark world peace day.

A road walk across Abuja, the nation's capital was embarked on on Wednesday and a lecture on 'Building Community Voice against Violence in Nigeria' was held as part of events marking this year's celebrations.

The celebration, which was organised by Nigeria's Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, (IPCR), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program along side other civil society groups, was tagged 'Peace and Democracy: Make your Voice Heard.'

Consistent sensitisation

The Director General of the IPCR, Mr Joseph Golwa explained that the essence of the celebration was to consistently sensitise the public on the need for peace in the country and the rest of the world.

"We embarked on the rally as a symbol to remind Nigerians to check their conscience and realise the need for peace in our country", he said.

In a remark, the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina observed that the impact of peace on a nation was economic development.

"Its absence results to destruction of lives and properties, which if unchecked would increase poverty and suffering", she said.

Maina, who was represented by the her Permanent Secretary, Mrs Elizabeth Emuren urged every Nigerian to the struggle to sustain peace in Nigeria.

"Government should not be left alone in the quest to achieve peace in our country. I therefore urge parents, particularly mothers to create happy and peaceful atmosphere at home for children to imbibe the culture of peace", she said.

Pockets of crises

This year's celebration came after the UN house bombing incident which killed 23 people and injured many others.

Meanwhile, ethno- political and religious crises in Plateau and Borno states, in Northern Nigeria have left many people dead and others seriously injured.

A red cross official, who prefered anonimity recounted her experience during the UN House bomb blast saying, "we were practically carrying body parts, it was a sad experience that is still very fresh in my memory."

The procession later stopped to observe a minute silence for the deceased victims of the crises, near the UN house premises.

The United Nations has earmarked September 21 to recognise the quest for peace across the globe.

The high point of the celebration was the release of white doves as a mark of peace.

Shakira