Invest in peace, respect diversity, Stakeholders urge Nigerians
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
Stakeholders in Sokoto State have called for sustained investments in peace, inclusion and respect for diversity as Nigeria marks the 2026 International Day of Peace.
The call was made on Monday in Sokoto at a symposium organised to commemorate the day with the theme: “Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
In a keynote address, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Dadi Adare, represented by the Director of Administration, Alhaji Aminu Binji, said peace remains the foundation of human existence.
Adare said without peace, socio-economic and communal life cannot thrive, adding that the diverse cultural and linguistic representation at the symposium underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence.
“It is mandatory for us to always observe the essence of peace in our households, in our schools, in our work environments and everywhere,” he said.
The Commissioner noted that global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions between the United States and Iran, as well as local challenges of insurgency, kidnapping and banditry, pose serious threats to peace.
He said the Sokoto State Government under Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has been investing heavily to restore peace to troubled communities, including the provision of more than 300 operational vehicles to security operatives at flashpoints of banditry and kidnapping.
He added that the recent visit of the Minister of Defence to Sokoto, during which additional operational vehicles were inaugurated and handed over to troops, was part of coordinated efforts to confront bandits and restore confidence.
“The state government is ever ready to give whatever it takes and collaborate in whatever direction to ensure peace returns to our communities.
“His Excellency wanted to be here personally but is engaged elsewhere on official assignment,” he said.
Also speaking, the District Head of Gagi, Sarkin Yakin Gagi and Founder of the Sokoto State Community Dialogue Committee (CDC), commended the organisers for bringing together diverse actors working for peace.
He said the symposium provided an opportunity to assess achievements recorded since last year’s commemoration and to strengthen collaboration.
The traditional ruler said peace in the world cannot be achieved until the rights of one another are respected, regardless of political, religious, regional or ethnic inclination.
He commended the partnership of Women Mediators, Community Dialogue Committee, Women and Climate Leadership, and Youth and Climate Leadership in promoting peace, noting that last year’s event was organised solely by CDC but has now expanded to include multiple peace actors.
“Nigeria is the only country we have and we must work together to respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Constitution gives every citizen the right to live anywhere, freedom of expression, freedom of participation and freedom to vote and be voted for,” he said.
The District Head also lauded media organisations for promoting messages that cement national unity and acknowledged the presence of Christians and Muslims of different denominations and sects, women groups, youth groups and persons with disabilities at the event.
On her part, the RECAP Consortium Coordinator, Ms Ayuba Remikat Blessing, said conflict is inevitable, but peace should not be defined merely as absence of conflict.
“For me, peace is an opportunity where people feel safe, included in decision-making and their dignity is respected,” she said.
Blessing explained that investing in peace goes beyond immediate humanitarian response to supporting communities to recover, rebuild livelihoods, strengthen social cohesion and build resilience against future shocks.
“Our work demonstrates that humanitarian action and peace building can complement each other.
“When communities are meaningfully involved in decisions that affect their lives, when vulnerable groups are included and when local structures are strengthened, we create conditions where peace can take root and endure,” she said.
She called on stakeholders to invest in people, resilience, inclusion and peaceful communities, stressing that every action that restores dignity and strengthens relationships is an investment in peace.
In his remarks, the Spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, called on residents to continue providing actionable intelligence to security agencies.
Rufai said collective effort was required to restore Sokoto’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country.
“Everybody knows Sokoto to be one of the most peaceful states and we are going towards that and by the grace of God we will regain that name,” he said.
The symposium featured participants drawn from religious groups, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, women and youth groups, security agencies and the media.
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