The Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Messengers of Peace Foundation (MOPF) have urged Nigerians to shun protests and embrace dialogue to build the needed peace in the country.

Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, FCT Administration, spoke at the Grand Finale of the 2024/2025 edition of the Queens of Peace Nigeria/International on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that every individual needed peace to be able to extend love to others.

Mr Aminu, who was represented by Kayode Aiyegbusi, acting director, Department of Arts and Culture in the Secretariat, said there was too much turmoil, conflict and disagreements in communities.

“So, it is essential that we keep propagating the message of peace, because we cannot have any progress or development if there is no peace.

“We must be at peace with each other, tolerate each other and understand each other, even though we are not the same.

“God did not make a mistake by making us different; it is for a purpose; but we need to understand each other to be able to live with each other.’’

He pledged FCTA’s continued support to the peace building process.

“You must just be at peace with your neighbour for your country to be at peace with itself.

“For us at the Social Development Secretariat, peace is a very important message to our development efforts at this time,” he said.

The national president, MOPF, Dr Suleiman Onuche, said dialogue was the only way out if there was need to get angry with the government.

“So, if there is conflict in any family, its members should come together to discuss it and by the grace of God, solutions will be found.

“Our responsibility is to pray for our leaders no matter how good or bad they are, since they are saddled with the responsibility of leading us.

“We owe them a duty to pray for their wellbeing and good leadership for them to succeed.”

He explained that six ladies would be crowned Queens of Peace, representing the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Mr Onuche added that another lady would be crowned the lead queen, as Queen of Peace Nigeria, while another would be crowned Queen of Peace International and would be responsible for the wellbeing of Nigerians in the diaspora.

“Then, we will have the Face of Messengers of Peace as well as Queen of Peace Themes, who will liaise with the youth of Nigeria.’’

He said the goal of the foundation was to enlighten people on peaceful co-existence and strengthen each community in conflict prevention, management and resolution through the promotion of skills and responsive conflict management that would foster humanity.

“One of the ways of promoting peaceful coexistence is by knowing your neighbour, because your action affects him or her positively or negatively,” he said.

Ten young ladies across the country were crowned Queens of Peace after a two-week successful mentorship on peace, fundamental human rights and other peacebuilding issues. 

(NAN)