• Kaduna partners with stakeholders to celebrate International Peace Day

The Kaduna State Peace Commission has emphasised on the need for government at all levels to prioritise environmental issues in order to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

The Chairperson of the Commission, Miss Priscilla Ankut made this known at a public Lecture, marking the World Peace Day in Kaduna, with the theme, “Climate Action for Peace” in collaboration with Development and Peace Initiative.

She said Climate change causes clear threats to International peace, security and natural disasters as it displaces many people like conflicts, forcing millions to flee their homes and seek safety elsewhere.

Combating Climate Change
Miss Priscilla explained that, this year’s theme draws attention to the importance of combating climate change as a way to protect and promote peace throughout the World.

“The United Nations have foreseen that it would not be possible to build a peaceful World if steps were not taken to achieve economic and social development for all people everywhere, and also ensure that their rights were protected,” she stated.

She stressed the need for peaceful co-existence in the Society, saying, peace is a precious commodity and a resource sought after by people and communities around the World.

She said; “Nigeria has, regretfully, been on the spotlight in recent years as there is no day that passes without the mention of one crisis or the other, and the quest to settle differences. Also, billions of dollars are being expended in the same quest to find lasting and or sustainable peace”.

Miss Priscilla said these crises are caused by human emotions, some as a result of differences, while others are a result of natural disasters.

Conflict Resolution
According to her, Kaduna and some other States across the Country have experienced one form of crisis or the other, thus prompting States and the Federal government to invest heavily in conflict resolution, prevention and mitigation as well as peacemaking.

“With the catalogue of differences, conflicts and response to natural calamity such as climate change phenomenon and the resultant toll on our people, peacemaking and conflict prevention, had become necessary in view of present realities in the Country,” she said.

Collaboration
The Chairperson explained that to sustain peace across the State, the Commission has collaborated with NGOs, religious and community leaders, stakeholders in peacemaking efforts as well as peace ambassadors, volunteers and traditional rulers in ensuring peace is enjoyed in Kaduna.

Also speaking on the theme for this year’s celebration, Director Development and Peace Initiative, Reverend Father Joshua Yima, called on government to promote climate action for the betterment of Nigerians.

He stressed on the need for the provision of dustbins and incinerators by government. “People should be enlightened on the need to channel watse products propeely which in turn causes adverse effects in the society,” he stated.

Tackling Menace of Climate Change
The Reverend Father called on governments at all levels to tackle the menace of climate change.

He said that there was environmental degradation and dumping of waste everywhere, which has adverse effects on the people.

Yami said, nature doesn’t negotiate, hence, it gives back in return what it receives.

He added that the Earth was all green in the past, but today, the environment is no longer the same, and at such there is need to reflect on the past and bring up ideas that would affect the society positively.

Confidence Okwuchi