Tranquility is my delight for development, unity and progress. Placidity is unique to an individual, a community, society and the world which opens doors for equality regardless of race and embrace social inclusion.
This is attainable in the absence of war, fear, conflicts, anxiety, suffering and the resolution of conflicts by non-violence means.
The International Day of Peace (or World Peace Day) celebrated annually on September 21 is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. At a time when war and violence often monopolize our news cycles, the International Day of Peace is an inspiring reminder of what we can create together. Peace. Let’s give it a chance!
Racism poisons the mind, corrupt the Society, breeds discrimination, marginalization, thus increase historic trauma, brings about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), results in psychological disorder thus induce stigmatization, segregation, low self esteem, isolation at times suicide.
In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly declared the third Tuesday of September as International Day of Peace. This day coincided with the opening day of the annual sessions of the General Assembly. The purpose of the day was and still remains, to strengthen the ideals of peace around the world.
Two decades after establishing this day of observance, in 2001, the assembly moved the date to be observed annually on September 21. So, beginning in 2002, September 21 marks not only a time to discuss how to promote and maintain peace among all peoples but also a 24-hour period of global ceasefire and non-violence for groups in active combat.
Peace is possible. Throughout history, most societies have lived in peace most of the time. Today, we are much less likely to die in war than our parents or grandparents.
Conflict is a disagreement between individuals, group of people, organizations or a clash between interests, opinions, ideas principles etc.
Conflict must be as long as man remains in the state of incompatibility in attitude and behaviour.
The view of conflict traditionally is, people belief that conflict is bad and should be avoided. It is also view in human relation as advocating for acceptance of conflict/believes that conflict is inevitable and not evil. Another view is the interactionist view which encourages conflict and said it brings about viability creativity and innovation etc.
Conflict in Akwa Ibom & Nigeria has always been as a result of broken social contract between the Government & its citizens. Citizens votes government officials into power believing to better their lives by the provision of social & economic infrastructures but the reverse is the case. Failed promises towards the citizens sparks up disgruntlement & hence conflict. Conflict becomes inevitable in the affairs of men conflict can be destructive or constructive. Overtimes we often see that conflicts is destructive when some of these components factors in disagreement and struggle over land issues, embezzlement and misappropriation of fund, our attitude opinion, values and beliefs, power intoxication, Romans gossips news, transferred or misplaced aggression and the likes.
Consequences of conflict, it is positive if conflict is effectively managed and results in improve mutual understanding. It is negative if it results in a breakdown of law and order, uncertainty kidnapping, confusion, banditry, insurgency, insecurity, destruction of lives and properties again hindering all aspects of development are what will be prevalence in the society.
Conflicts can be settled through negotiation reconciliation mediation arbitration litigation and
Government officials should live up to the oath of office & allegiance which they swore to provide to the citizens their Constitutionally guaranteed basic needs of welfare, security & infrastructures, they should practice inclusiveness in governance & it officials should be built & practiced in Integrity, transparency, accountability & probity. Anything outside these makes the citizens to be disgruntled & throw up conflict.
To commemorate the international peace day each and everyone of Us individually and collectively one step at a time can undoubtedly make a paradigm shift and change the narrative for the growth and development over Community, Society and the world at large.
Nnene Bassey
Chairperson
Advocacy for Persons with Albinism Network (APAN)