The Peace Corps of Nigeria, Ogun State Command on Monday enjoined Nigerians to make deliberate efforts to promote peace and shun violence ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The Ogun State Commander of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Akinyemi Olufemi, after a walk to commemorate the International Peace Day, held in Abeokuta, in collaboration with Society for Peace Studies and Practices (S.P.S.P) and other relevant stakeholders.
Olufemi affirmed that the theme of the 2026 event provided an opportunity to sensitise Nigerians on the need to “invest in peace” by making conscious efforts to promote peaceful coexistence in their daily lives.
He stressed the need for youths to avoid being used to perpetrate violence during elections, noting that peaceful participation was essential to the development of the country.
“One of the essentials of today’s event is to enlighten and involve our youths not to engage in violence. The purpose of today is for us to invest in peace. When we invest in peace, no youth will want to take to violence. We are out to preach peace to everybody, such that nobody partakes in violent activities, especially during the forthcoming election,” he stated
The commander further called for greater collaboration between the government and citizens in strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
According to him, security should not be regarded as the sole responsibility of the Federal Government, stressing that individuals, communities and other stakeholders have important roles to play in maintaining peace.
“Security is not a one-man business, and we cannot leave this to the Federal Government alone. Everybody has a role to play,” Olufemi said.
He urged governments at all levels to create platforms that would enable citizens and relevant organisations to contribute meaningfully to peace and security efforts.
Olufemi posited that deliberate investment in peace by all stakeholders would help build the kind of country Nigerians desire, while reducing the risk of violence and instability.
He assured that the Peace Corps would continue to sensitise the public, especially young people, on the importance of peaceful coexistence and responsible participation in civic activities.
Deputy Commandant and Head of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State chapter, Akinyemi Olufemi underscored the critical need for peace and alternative dispute resolution across Nigeria.
He expressed deep gratitude to the Federal and State Governments, the President, the State Governor, and security agency heads for their continued support and synergy.
Highlighting the importance of widespread advocacy, he emphasized that peace is “everybody’s business” and far more cost-effective than dealing with criminality, especially as the nation prepares for elections.
He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to expanding outreach across churches, mosques, and public venues.
Meanwhole, the S.P.S.P Chairman Ogun state branch, Mr Eyotayo Jemiri also called on Nigerians and government authorities at all levels to make peace a paramount national priority.
Jemiri highlighted the critical need for harmony across the country, emphasizing that meaningful progress and national development remain unattainable in an atmosphere of conflict and instability.
He submitted that peace serves as the indispensable foundation for sustainable growth and societal prosperity.
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