ActionAid, GPD Hold Cultural Festival, Urge Peaceful Coexistence

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), through the System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE III) Project, in partnership with Global Peace Development (GPD), has held a peace cultural fiesta as part of its activities to promote tolerance in Kaduna State.

The SARVE III Project coordinator, AAN, Aliyu Adamu during the 2024 Peace Fiesta with funding from Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) explained that the aim of the event was to promote peaceful coexistence among the citizens of the state.

He said, “Our culture is our identity, let us use it to promote social cohesion. We are here to celebrate the International Peace Day, we want to use this forum to promote tolerance, where we can bring different ethnic groups together, showcase their diversity”.

He urged people of Kaduna State to come together, embrace peace, love and unity irrespective of their differences.

Earlier in his remarks, the executive director, Global Peace Development, Ebruke Onajite Esike noted that the International Day of Peace 2024 theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” resonates deeply with GPD mission to build peace, gender equality, social justice, and foster democracy and good governance at the community, local, state, and national levels.

“Moreover, our commitment to promoting peace through culture, and community engagement is a testament to our belief that creativity can be a catalyst for change.

“As we move forward today, let us embrace the ideals of tolerance, social justice, and inclusion. Let us engage in meaningful conversations that inspire unity and collaboration. Together, we can counter the vices that drive and exacerbate conflict, and work towards a safe and resilient community,” he said.

According to him, cultivating culture of peace is hinged on values of respect for life, liberty, justice, solidarity, tolerance, human rights, and equality between women and men.

He said, “A Culture of peace requires community education, respect for human rights, democratic participation, participatory communication, and peace and security of our lives and properties.”

In her goodwill message, the commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hon. Rabi Salisu who was represented by the permanent secretary, Dorcas Benjamin Tanko noted that cultivating a culture of peace requires collective efforts, empathy, and understanding, adding that peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, equity, and compassion.

The event was attended by the ethnic groups in Kaduna State and stakeholders.

Kujama group came first in the dancing competition, while Takau came second, and Damishi third position .