Independence Day: Don’t give up on Nigeria, cleric tells Nigerians

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to prioritize peace, unity, and national development as the country celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1. Director-General Dr Joseph Ochogwu emphasized that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment marked by violent conflicts, intolerance, hate speech, exclusion, and mistrust.

He urged all Nigerians to make peacebuilding and peaceful coexistence a shared responsibility through dialogue, tolerance, and constructive engagement. The IPCR also urged political leaders, religious and traditional institutions, civil society organizations, the media, young people, and other stakeholders to promote constructive engagement in addressing differences and resolving disputes.

They emphasized the need for peaceful political participation and responsible civic engagement in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, urging political actors to refrain from violence, inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation, and disinformation. Additionally, the IPCR acknowledged the sacrifices of security agencies and other peace actors and called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communities, and civil society organizations to prevent and respond to emerging conflicts.

Ochogwu stressed that Nigeria's diversity is a great asset, and its future would be better secured when citizens, regardless of differences, consider themselves stakeholders in one national project.