…As JDPC holds Peace Summit
Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana has called on government at all levels to ensure that every Nigerian child gets the required education they need, as he lamented the alarming rate of over 20 million out of school children in the country.
Falana gave the charge while speaking at the 2024 Peace Summit of the Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC), Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, with the theme, “Cultivating a culture of peace in Nigeria: A call to action”, held recently at St. Leo Catholic Church, Ikeja Lagos. Falana said to achieve peace in the society, and prevent the risk of having these children as potential criminals, moves should be made in good time to get them out of the streets and into school. Advocating justice and equal rights for all, he said Chapter 2, Section 18 of the Constitution, provides that every Nigerian child has a right to free education, from primary to university. He decried the non-existent health scheme, among other welfare packages, as he tasked citizens to challenge the people in power on welfare laws to achieve peace in the society.
Former Presidential Spokesperson and media personality, Reuben Abati posited that the crisis in justice has led to the lack of peace in Nigeria. Abati noted that the people have turned religion and ethnicity into bitter, divisive factors that separates them, adding that they need to see themselves first as Nigerians before any other thing. He urged citizens, both the leaders and the led to be collectively responsible, ensuring that they promote peace at all times, no matter the religion they profess or the region of the country they come from. For his part, Rev. Fr. Raymond Anoliefo, JDPC Director, said peace-building demands citizens’ full, active participation, as he urged them to look inward and commit themselves to the journey of peace.
He said “If we genuinely want peace to thrive in Nigeria, we must commit to it in every sphere of our lives. We must weave it into our homes, workplaces, and interactions. As Romans 12:18 advises, ‘If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.’ This verse reminds us that peace begins within us, and we can foster it in our interactions.” According to him, “This summit is more than an exchange of ideas—it is a commitment to action. As we leave here, let us carry the spirit of peacemaking, remembering that each of us has a role in Nigeria’s peace project. Our nation’s future depends on policies and reforms and our collective willingness to live as true peacemakers.’
The priest urged the people to inspire others by their actions, standing firm against division, and promoting initiatives that unite rather than separate us. He added that citizens should rise to this challenge and show the world that Nigeria is a country capable of unity, healing, and growth. The conference was attended by human rights activists, civil rights groups, religious and ethnic groups among other Nigerians.
