Peace Day: YYNGLIN President Urges Nigerians to Shun Violence, Embrace Dialogue

By Samuel God’spower

The President of the Young Youth Network for Good Leadership in Nigeria (YYNGLIN),  Collins Agumagu, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace and reject all forms of violence as the United Nations advocates a 24-hour global ceasefire to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Peace.

Agumagu made the call in a statement issued to mark the annual observance, with the theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”

He urged Nigerians to embrace the United Nations’ ceasefire message by not only advocating an end to physical violence but also confronting hatred, intolerance, discrimination and divisions within communities.

According to him, the call for a ceasefire should go beyond armed conflicts and extend to everyday interactions, political engagements, community relations and other areas where disagreements could degenerate into violence.

Agumagu described peace as a collective responsibility that requires deliberate and sustained efforts from individuals, governments, civil society organizations, community leaders and other stakeholders.

He said sustainable development in Rivers State and Nigeria could only thrive in an environment where dialogue, inclusion, tolerance and peaceful coexistence were encouraged.

The YYNGLIN president also called for the promotion of peace circles, responsible communication and narratives capable of inspiring hope, unity and social cohesion, particularly among young Nigerians.

He urged political actors and their supporters to begin preparations for the 2027 elections by rejecting hate speech, political violence, assassination and inter-community clashes.

Agumagu advocated issue-based political campaigns and greater youth participation in governance, stressing that young people should be treated as active stakeholders and partners in building a peaceful and progressive society.

He said the 2027 electoral process should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to demonstrate that political differences could be managed through dialogue, tolerance and respect for democratic institutions.

He further encouraged Nigerians to use the International Day of Peace as an opportunity to reflect on their individual roles in promoting peaceful coexistence, noting that peace should not be treated as a one-day observance.

Agumagu urged citizens to make peace a daily commitment and work collectively towards building a society where every individual can live with dignity, security, equal opportunities and hope for the future.