The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi State Command, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Peace with activities designed to promote harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

The event began with a symbolic peace walk from the State Command Headquarters through major streets of Lokoja, sensitising residents on the importance of embracing peace in their daily interactions. The walk highlighted the strategic importance of Kogi State, which shares boundaries with nine states and the Federal Capital Territory, making peace and stability in the state critical to national security and development.

The celebration continued with a lecture session where the guest lecturer, Dr. E. O. Bakare, a renowned Peace Ambassador, emphasised that building a secure and peaceful society is a shared responsibility. He noted that traditional institutions, political leaders, religious figures, individuals, and security agencies all have unique roles to play in conflict resolution, tolerance promotion, and adherence to the rule of law.

Dr. Bakare commended the NSCDC in Kogi State for its proactive peace-building initiatives, particularly through its Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit and the Agro Rangers, which have successfully mediated disputes between farmers and herders in the state.

In his address, State Commandant Aletan Olumide Ebenezer expressed appreciation to the guest speaker and extended gratitude to the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, for his visionary leadership and policies that have strengthened the Corps’ role in peace advocacy nationwide.

Commandant Aletan urged residents of Kogi State to embrace peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and tolerance, stressing that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” serves as a reminder of the power of individual and collective actions in fostering global peace. He noted that the absence of peace hampers development, erodes trust, and weakens cooperation necessary for societal progress.

He further appealed for vigilance and collective responsibility in safeguarding peace, warning against any attempt to disrupt the relative stability currently being enjoyed in the state. According to him, sustaining peace requires the full participation of all stakeholders.

The event also provided an interactive platform where participants expressed their views, offered contributions, and engaged in questions and answers on how to further strengthen peace initiatives in the state.

The commemoration concluded with a renewed pledge by the NSCDC Kogi Command to continue championing peace advocacy, conflict resolution, and inter-agency cooperation in pursuit of a safer and more prosperous society.

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