By Tom Garba, Yola
Dr. Francis Olajire Awodoyin, a peace-building expert, has called for the inclusion of peace education in schools in Adamawa state. He made this advocacy while delivering a speech on the challenges of peace and conflict in Adamawa at an event organized by Ambassador Haphsat Ibrahim Modibbo, founder of the Ahmed Galadima Foundation.
Dr. Awodoyin emphasized the need for peace education to be introduced in schools, stating that it is essential for inculcating the knowledge of living together in the younger generation. He also stressed the need for a comprehensive framework for conflict resolution in the educational sector.
Other speakers at the event included Dr. Bashir Imam Aliyu, who discussed the influence of history and cultural diversity on peace in the northeast, and Dean Rev. Babangida Joseph, who highlighted the role of religious leaders in maintaining peace and peaceful coexistence.
The host and founder of the Nee: Ahmed Galadima Foundation, Ambassador Haphsat Ibrahim Modibbo, emphasized that peace cannot be imposed on individuals but must be cultivated through diplomacy and the involvement of various stakeholders, including the government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
In her submission and opening remarks, Dr Haphsat put forward what requires as the paths that will sustain peace building as the yardstick of enduring peace and sustainable security.
She said community-driven is a sustainable peacebuilding efforts and support victims of conflict, ensuring justice for all, and rebuild trust among diverse communities are the paths for peaceful co-existence.
“Education remains a critical tool in this process. By ensuring access to quality education, we can break the cycle of poverty and violence.
“Nigeria is abundantly blessed with resources, but lack of proper management and extreme disparity in wealth distribution have led to violent extremism. Governance must respond to specific needs of the youth, and peace education and advocacy in conflict resolution are necessary for lasting peace.” She said
She further recommended that:”To curb violent extremism there must be an integrated approach involving collaborations among key stakeholders, diversifying the state’s economy, providing basic human needs, Social welfare programs for the poor, Monitoring and regulation of religious preaching, Support for local, community-driven initiatives and developing and disseminating counter-narratives via social media.,”
The event featured several keynote speakers, including Amina Muhammed, Suleiman Lukman Naibi, Amb. Mrs. Rebeka KS Kwabe, Dr. Umar Ahmed, and Hon. Dauda Kushu.
