By Joseph Edegbo
Kaduna (Nigeria) — A Catholic Cleric in Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Joshua Achir wants every citizen of the country to respect everyone’s right to life and live in any part of the nation, irrespective of religion, tribe or region.Rev Fr. Achir who is the Director, Development and Peace Initiative of the Catholic Archdiocese, Kaduna, northern Nigeria was speaking at a forum to commemorate this year’s International Day of peace.
He said government should also do the needful, by ensuring every life is safeguarded and protected from all forms if threats and attack.
“Everyone has an equal opportunity to work and make a living, regardless of gender, ethnicity or any other aspect of identity.” he said.
The cleric, who sees peace as comfort and freedom from war and terror, said its absence in any region of the world, is responsible for the deaths of many people, as well as the downfall of that region.
Reflecting on the theme of the Day, “Together for Peace,” Rev Fr. Achir, observed that young people have a vital role to play as volunteer to welcome and help refugees and migrants in their communities.
“They can also extend the hand of fellowship to young refugees and migrants who they might meet in their classrooms and neighborhood or even reach out to those in concentrated camps, prisons and Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs , he advised.
Rev. Fr. Achir expressed the hope that as they commemorate the Day, they would work with one another, including those they term as enemies in order to become partners in peace.
On her part, the Director, Nigeria Stability Reconciliation Program, Priscilla Ankut said, peace is key to any development and that it is only when there is peace that one could guarantee such.
The occasion was attended by key stakeholders including youth organizations, CSOs, security agents the media, as well as students, who entertained the audience, as part of the celebration.
