PEPOLAC urges Greater Budgetary Allocation for Peace-building, Education, Community Development

By Praise Chinecherem

anambradaily

The Peace and Positive Living Awareness Centre (PEPOLAC) has identified increasing level of unemployment, poverty, illiteracy and social exclusion, especially among the youths as factors contributing to escalation of insecurity in the country.

The group also decried erosion of moral values, weakening of family institutions and declining culture of patriotism which have negatively impacted societal harmony.

In a communique issued by PEPOLAC Peace Diplomat/International President, Bishop Dr. Festus Ozoemena, the group blamed lack of national unity and peaceful coexistence on ethnic, religious and political divisions.

According to the body, the proliferation of illicit arms and light weapons has exacerbated violence in several communities across the country.

It regretted that women, children, widows, persons living with disabilities and vulnerable populations bear disproportionate burden of insecurity.

“The spread of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech through digital and social media platforms has become a major driver of tension and social unrest.

“Traditional rulers, faith-based organizations and community leaders remain critical stakeholders in grassroots peacebuilding efforts.

“There exists an urgent need to institutionalize peace education and conflict prevention mechanisms at all levels of society.

“Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without justice, equity, good governance, accountability and inclusive participation of all citizens.

“Community ownership of peace initiatives remains essential to addressing localized security challenges.

“Climate change, environmental degradation and competition over natural resources are emerging contributors to communal conflicts.

“Strong partnerships among government, civil society, international organizations and the private sector are indispensable for effective peacebuilding,” it lamented.

The group also expressed concern over persistent loss of innocent lives and destruction of property as well as growing displacement of populations and the humanitarian crisis affecting many communities.

“It is also sad to note psychological trauma and emotional distress suffered by victims of violence as well as recruitment and exploitation of young people by criminal and extremist groups,” it said.

The conference further listed other issues of concern as declining public trust in institutions responsible for maintaining law and order; increasing commercialization and politicization of security matters as well as inadequate investment in preventive peace building and early warning systems.

Also of concern are widening socio-economic inequalities that fuel grievances and social tensions; inadequate implementation of existing policies relating to peacebuilding and conflict management as well as threats insecurity poses to Nigeria’s economic growth, foreign investment and international reputation.

The Conference, in the communique called on federal, state and local governments to prioritize preventive peace-building and institutionalize community-based conflict prevention mechanisms at the same time strengthen intelligence gathering, early warning and rapid response systems nationwide.

It called on government to invest massively in youth empowerment, vocational training, entrepreneurship and job creation initiatives; implement policies that promote equitable development and reduce poverty as well as strengthen collaboration among security agencies to improve operational efficiency.

“The governments should increase budgetary allocation towards peace-building, education and community development; promote inclusive governance that accommodates all segments of society and ensure justice, accountability and strict enforcement of the rule of law.

PEPOLAC further urged traditional and religious leaders to intensify interfaith and intercultural dialogue aimed at promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence; use their platforms to discourage hate speech, violence and divisive rhetoric; serve as impartial mediators in resolving communal disputes as well as reinforce moral values and ethical leadership within communities.

On educational institutions, the conference urged them to integrate peace education, civic responsibility and conflict resolution studies into school curricula; promote values of tolerance, empathy, patriotism and responsible citizenship and encourage research and innovation in peacebuilding and conflict management.

It urged youth and women to actively participate in peacebuilding initiatives at community, national and international levels, reject all forms of violent extremism, criminality and social vices, embrace dialogue, entrepreneurship and productive engagement and utilize digital platforms responsibly and avoid the spread of misinformation.

While calling on Civil Society Organizations and Development Partners to strengthen grassroots peace initiatives and community resilience programmes and expand advocacy campaigns promoting social cohesion and national unity, the group urged them to support capacity-building efforts for local peace actors and provide technical and financial support for sustainable peace programmes.

It also challenged the media to uphold ethical journalism and responsible reporting, combat fake news and hate speech at the same time promote peace journalism that encourages unity and constructive dialogue.

PEPOLAC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to keeping peace alive in Nigeria, Africa and the global community, strengthening partnerships for sustainable peace and development as well as romoting dialogue, mediation and peaceful coexistence.

It pledged to empower communities through peace education and advocacy; build culture of tolerance, justice and mutual respect; support vulnerable populations affected by conflicts as well as advance Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to peace, justice and strong institutions.

It called on Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic, religious, political or socio-economic background, to become active ambassador of peace.

“Peace is a shared responsibility. Governments alone cannot build peaceful societies without the active participation of citizens, communities and institutions.

“The future we desire can only be secured through collective commitment, mutual understanding, responsible leadership and unwavering dedication to justice and human dignity.

“As we commemorate the 2026 World Peace Day Event, we urge all stakeholders to renew their commitment to building communities where peace is not merely an aspiration but a lived reality for all.

“Together, we can transform insecurity into stability, division into unity and fear into hope. If we keep peace alive in our communities, we shall secure peace for our nation and contribute meaningfully to global peace,” it submitted.