From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Youth, especially in Enugu State have been urged to embrace peacebuilding to avoid problems that could snowball into mayhem in society.
Executive Director of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), Rev. Sr. Dr. Agatha Chikelue, stated this at a one-day programme on peace and conflict resolution organised by the Foundation in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and the Departments of Mass Communication, Sociology and Anthropology, and Psychology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
The theme of the event was: “Knowledge for peace, conflict resolution, and management among youths.” The director, represented by Mr. Johnpaul Enebe, called on all to learn the basics of religious tolerance, to engender a society where peace and love dwelt: “Peacebuilding is not just about resolving conflicts but about preventing them before they arise. When young people are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, they become agents of change, contributing positively to their communities.”
The keynote speaker from the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr. James Chukwuemeka Mbah, emphasised the importance of youths, especially students, acquiring knowledge of peace, conflict resolution, and management.
He stated that Nigeria, with its vast ethnic groups and diverse religious beliefs, can achieve peaceful coexistence when people begin to love and understand one another, thereby fostering national development: “The key to sustainable peace lies in recognizing our differences and embracing them as strengths rather than divisions. A society that values diversity and inclusivity will always find common ground for growth.
“Many conflicts arise from misconceptions and intolerance. However, when people learn to appreciate each other’s perspectives, the chances of disputes turning into crises are significantly reduced.”
Dean of Student Affairs, ESUT, Prof. Ifeoma Okwor, called for the absolute utilization of emotional intelligence in conflict management, as it can help circumvent crises that could lead to disaster.
Represented by the Associate Dean, Dr. Solomon Agụ, Okwor enjoined the leadership of the Foundation to extend their work to secondary schools, to help instil the message of peace early in students’ development.
In their various remarks, Heads of the Departments of Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, as well as Mass Communication—Dr. Ejike Mgbenkemdi, Dr. Uche Ogbuke, and Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa-commended the organisers for staging the programme and called on all to embrace peace as a way of life.