Peace advocates on Tuesday decried the impact of inequality, social injustice and disinformation to peaceful co-existence in Gombe, Nigeria as a whole urging for renewed efforts to combating them.
Speaking at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Coordinator of Women, Peace and Security Gombe Media Network, Alhassan Yahya, called for concerted moves geared towards changing the narratives.
Yahya who was represented by Comfort Mukollo, spoke while commemorating the 2024 International Peace Day with the theme; ‘Building lasting peace through dialogue and cooperation’.
Yahya said, “International Peace Day, also known as Peace Day, has its roots in the United Nations (UN) efforts to promote peace and ceasefires worldwide.
“International Peace Day serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, tolerance, and cooperation in achieving a more just and equitable world.
“Today, we gather to commemorate International Peace Day, a global celebration of peace, unity, and cooperation. As we mark this significant occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting peace, justice, and human rights for all.”
According to him, 2024 theme emphasises the importance of inclusive dialogue and collaborative efforts in resolving conflicts and promoting sustainable peace, adding “We recognise that peace is not just the absence of war but a state of being that enables individuals, communities, and nations to thrive.”
While urging for renewed commitment to the United Nations Charter’s principles, upholding human dignity, and promoting peaceful resolution of disputes, the Network called for collective action to address pressing issues like climate change, inequality, and social injustice, which threaten global peace and security.
“We emphasise the need for inclusive, respectful dialogue to resolve conflicts and foster mutual understanding.
“We recognise the critical role of young people in promoting peace and encourage their participation in peace-building
“We urge governments, civil society, and individuals to advocate for policies promoting peace, justice, and human rights.
“Support peace building initiatives and conflict resolution efforts. Engage in respectful dialogue and encourage others to do the same.As we observe International Peace Day 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to peace, unity, and cooperation. Together, we can create a more just, equitable, and peaceful world for all,” Yahya added.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Asma’u Iganus, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry; Barrister Sada’atu Ishaya, lauded United Nations Women for its initiatives geared towards equality and empowerment of women.
Iganus said, “We want to appreciate UN Women but we want them to help us to do more to maintain the relative peace. We hope that they will assist us in empowering the youths because an idle hand is devil’s workshop.”
Also, Abubakar Doho, Village Head of Doho, who is also a he for she lauded
UN Women for the support, advocating for more men to join their effort to improve the lives of women.
Doho disclosed that the involvement of women in traditional councils as title holders has brought peace, to the various domains, “any information that we want to find out we usually involve them in getting results. Actually the women title holders are many and are effective in ensuring peace,” he added.
