Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar on Thursday said poverty and unemployment are breeding grounds for violence and extremism.
The former military leader, who spoke during the celebration of the International Day of Peace 2024 held at the Lecture Hall of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainability Development Studies, Minna, said: “Peace is the bedrock of any nation’s progress. Without peace, development is stifled, opportunities are lost, and society stagnates.
“Today, Nigeria faces numerous challenges that threaten the culture of peace we seek to cultivate. These challenges range from insurgency and terrorism to ethno-religious conflicts, youth unemployment, and economic instability.”
General Abubakar stated that added to these challenges were issues of governance, political tension, and the persistent inequality that continues to divide the people, saying that “poverty and unemployment are breeding grounds for violence and extremism. To build a peaceful Nigeria, we must tackle these roots.
“To build a peaceful Nigeria, we must tackle these root causes of instability through policies that promote inclusive growth, job creation, and equitable resource distribution.”
He said while government plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, “the task of building a peaceful society belongs to all of us. Every community, every leader, and every citizen has a role to play in ensuring that peace prevails.”
Consequently, he suggested that “we must invest in our youth, empowering them with education and opportunities that steer them away from violence and unrest. Our educational institutions should promote values of tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Schools must become breeding grounds for unity, where students learn not only academic skills but also the virtues of peaceful coexistence.”
He said the marginalised communities’ youth and women must be involved in the decision-making process, while development must meet the needs and aspirations of the people, especially those who have been historically disadvantaged.
“We must engage in constructive conversations about the issues that divide us, from resource allocation to ethnic tensions. A commitment to justice, fairness, and inclusivity will help us address the grievances that have long fuelled conflicts in Nigeria,” he added.
@Leadership, Nigeria