The National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr Dickson Akoh, has urged Youths to be peace builders and shun unlawful activities during the electioneering Campaigns.
Dr Akoh gave the advice during a visit to an Orphanage home in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in Commemoration of World Peace Day with the theme “Invest in peace: for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”
The National Commandant, who was represented by the South South Zonal Commander, Mr Jacob Henry, emphasized that true Peacebuilding rests on the shoulders of Everyday change makers, Volunteers, and grassroots leaders working tirelessly for the growth of the nation and humanity.
“This principle reinforces our core conviction that lasting peace is not cast solely at elite conference tables, but is cultivated daily in our classrooms, neighborhoods, and public spaces through genuine dialogue, mutual respect, and shared civic responsibilities.
“As the formal buildup to the 2027 general election commences, our country is already witnessing palpable political frictions and heightened tensions across several states of the federation and within the Federal Capital Territory. History reminds us that electoral cycles often test the resilience of our national fabric, making it imperative that we proactively escalate heuristics and dismantle the drivers of political violence before they take root.
“To our vibrant, energetic, and resilient Nigerian youth, do not surrender your future to the instrument of violence. You constitute the heartbeat and greatest demographic asset of our country. You must categorically reject the overtures of political merchants who seek to deploy your strength for thuggery, disruptions, and unlawful activities during the forthcoming electioneering campaign. Refuse to be weapons of destruction; choose instead to be the vanguard of democratic maturity and civic dignity”, he asserted.
In their separate remarks, the Rivers State Commander of Peace Corps, Dr Michael Obiora, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Mr. Michael Ogbomah, noted that the Corps marked the day with the less privileged to create awareness of the essence of investing in Peace.
“We decided to invest in visiting the children’s home and the less privileged to see how we can also reach out to them. Because by investing in them, we are investing in peace. By investing in humanity, you’re investing in peace.
“Investing in humanity is the most important thing we can do to bring about peace. These children need to be shown love; they need to be shown care. And that’s what we have achieved, and that’s what we have done as an organization of the Peace Corps.
“I want to urge every one of us that peace is not just the absence of war, but trying to care for one another. And I have always said this: that peace is not negotiable. Peace cannot be replaced. In my own words, I said if you must replace peace, then replace peace with more peace,” they noted.
The Peace Corps of Nigeria commanders also called for the need to foster national cohesion and champion sustainable human security across the nation through peace.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of food items, toiletries, and wears to the management of Constant Mercy and Praise children home.
