The Peace and Social Advancement Centre has called on Nigerians to embrace dialogue, inclusion and peaceful engagement in addressing the country’s political, economic and social challenges.
The Centre made the call in a commemorative message marking the 2026 International Day of Peace, stressing that peace goes beyond the mere absence of war and violence.
In the statement signed by its Executive Director, Femi Adeleye, the organisation said sustainable peace could only be achieved where justice, dialogue, dignity, trust and equal opportunities were promoted.
The Centre, operating under the theme “Uniting Voices, Advancing Peace,” said peace must be deliberately built by individuals, communities, institutions and governments rather than treated as an issue solely for security agencies.
“Peace is more than the absence of war or violence. It is the presence of justice, dialogue, inclusion, dignity, trust and opportunities for people to live and thrive together,” the statement said.
According to PSAC, societies become more peaceful when differences are managed through dialogue, grievances are addressed through legitimate institutions and citizens are given meaningful opportunities to participate in the affairs of their communities and country.
The Centre said the responsibility for maintaining peace should not be left exclusively to governments and security institutions, noting that families, traditional and religious leaders, political actors, civil society organisations, youths, women, professionals and ordinary citizens all have roles to play.
It said, “Peace is a shared responsibility. Families, communities, traditional and religious leaders, political actors, civil society organisations, young people, women, professionals and ordinary citizens all have important roles to play in preventing violence and strengthening social cohesion.”
PSAC further said it remained committed to promoting peace through research, policy, dialogue, advocacy and training, stressing that preventing conflicts required more than responding to violence after it had occurred.
The organisation said investment in knowledge, responsible leadership, effective institutions and social conditions that address grievances was critical to preventing conflicts and promoting sustainable development.
The Centre’s position comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with economic pressures, social divisions, community tensions and challenges associated with democratic governance.
Against this backdrop, PSAC urged stakeholders to prioritise constructive engagement and peaceful dispute resolution.
“As Nigeria continues to navigate the challenges of democratic governance, economic pressures, social divisions and community tensions, we encourage all stakeholders to choose dialogue over division, cooperation over confrontation, and constructive engagement over violence,” it said.
The organisation also called for communities where differences are respected, institutions where justice is accessible and leadership that promotes inclusion.
It stressed that every citizen should have the opportunity to contribute to building a peaceful society.
The Centre said the International Day of Peace should therefore serve not merely as an occasion for speeches and commemorations, but as a reminder of the responsibility of individuals and institutions to actively promote peaceful coexistence.
“Peace is not simply something we desire; it is something we must deliberately develop,” PSAC said.
The organisation called on Nigerians to continue working towards stronger social cohesion and a society in which diverse voices could coexist and contribute to national development.
The International Day of Peace is observed annually to promote the ideals of peace and non-violence among peoples and nations.
PSAC concluded its message with a call for collective action, saying: “Let us continue to unite voices, advance peace, and develop peace together.”
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