By Mary Izuaka

 

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, says Nigeria requires more than the end of conflict to achieve enduring peace.

Mr Obi stated this in a message on Monday to commemorate the International Day of Peace.

He said Nigeria must acknowledge that peace cannot be sustained while citizens continue to face insecurity, hunger, poverty and despair.

“As the world observes the International Day of Peace, Nigeria must acknowledge a difficult truth: enduring peace cannot be achieved while citizens continue to face insecurity, hunger, poverty, and despair,” Mr Obi said.

He said peace means more than the absence of violence.

According to him, peace exists when farmers can travel safely to and from their fields, children can attend school without the threat of abduction, families can afford adequate food, and young people can envision a future in their own country.

Mr Obi said peace must be grounded in effective governance.

“For this reason, peace must be grounded in effective governance. Governments must safeguard lives, ensure justice, combat corruption, invest in education and healthcare, expand productive opportunities, and manage national resources responsibly,” he said.

He warned that Nigeria cannot continue to address only the visible effects of insecurity while neglecting the circumstances that generate desperation and instability.

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“Every naira misused represents a lost opportunity to strengthen peace. Every citizen left without support reflects a crisis overlooked. Every injustice committed erodes the foundations of peace,” he added.

Mr Obi said Nigeria possesses the resources necessary to become a secure, peaceful and prosperous nation, but requires leadership, accountability and political will to place citizens at the centre of governance.

“On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to build a Nigeria in which justice is upheld, lives are protected, opportunities are expanded, and every citizen can live with dignity and hope.

“Responsible governance is the foundation of peace. A new Nigeria is possible,” he said.

The International Day of Peace is observed globally on 21 September every year, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly to strengthen the ideals of peace.