By: Mayen Etim
KADUNA, North-West Nigeria – In its efforts to strengthen peace in Kaduna state, the Global Peace Development (GPD), and ActionAid Nigeria marked the International Peace Day 2024 with a cultural peace fiesta to prevent violent extremism.
The two-day events which commenced on Monday, September 24, with a “Friendly Kick for Peace Football Match” culminated to the Cultural Peace Fiesta on Tuesday at Arewa House Kaduna tagged: “Kaduna state Cultural Peace Fiesta on Preventing Violent Extremism.”
In his remarks, AAN Programme and Consortium Coordinator for SARVE III, Aliyu Adamu, informed that the events aimed to promote a peaceful Kaduna State that is just and equitable for everyone through sport, creativity, art and culture while promoting talents.
According to him, the events also showcased the beauty of cultivating a peaceful culture between people and nations, and as well create awareness and take action on the dangers of violent extremism.
Adamu said: “In line with the theme for the year; ‘Cultivating a Culture of Peace’ and as part of the SARVE III efforts towards supporting communities to strengthen their resilience against violent extremism and to tackle radicalization to violent extremism in Nigeria, the Kick for Peace Friendly Football Match and Cultural Peace Fiesta is an opportunity to engage with youth and stakeholders at the community, local, and state levels through sport and cultural creations.”
In her goodwill message, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, said the event underscored the importance of cultivating a culture of peace, which is essential for social cohesion and human prosperity.
The commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Dorcas Tanko, noted that cultivating a culture of peace required collective efforts, empathy, and understanding. “We recognize that peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, equity, and compassion,” Hajiya Salisu said.
The commissioner commended AAN and GPD for the event, and described it as timely, saying the vision demands collective action, mutual respect and tolerance, non-violet conflict resolution, community engagement, and participation.
She hoped that the performances, and activities at the event would spark a lasting passion for lasting peace in Kaduna State and Nigeria. “May this meeting inspire us to listen with empathy, speak with kindness, and act with compassion,” she added.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Executive Director of GPD, Esike Ebruke said “The International Day of Peace 2024 theme, ‘Cultivating a Culture of Peace,’ resonates deeply with Global Peace Development mission to build peace, gender equality, social justice, and foster democracy and good governance at the community, local, state, and national levels which amplifies the culture of peace we have been promoting with the project ‘System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE III)'”.
According to him, it was imperative to mentioned that cultivating culture of peace is hinged on values of respect for life, liberty, justice, solidarity, tolerance, human rights, and equality between women and men. “Impliedly, culture of peace requires community education, respect for human right, democratic participation, participatory communication, and peace and security of our lives and property.
“Today, we gather not just to celebrate peace, but to actively engage in the vital work of building resilience against the threats of violent extremism. This can happen when we commit to peace irrespective of any difference whether race, colour, sex, ethnicity, and religion,” he said.
Highlights of the event include; cultural dances displayed from nine cultural groups of the six Kaduna communities of the SARVE III project, and also awards presentation to the winners.
The cultural peace fiesta had participants on their toes all through the event as they were thrilled with cultural dances and displays from the cultural groups across the project areas in the state.
The Kujama dance group emerged winners of the contest with a total of 73.3 per cent to beat Takau with 72 per cent marks. While the Damishi dance group came 3rd with 68 per cent; the Likoro, Gumel, Kachia, Ungwan Masara, Wusasa and Turunku dance groups came 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th positions respectively.