BY NAJIB SANI, GOMBE
The International Peace Day celebration in Gombe State was marked with a strong call to action from stakeholders, emphasising the importance of building lasting peace through dialogue and cooperation.
The event, organised by the Women Peace and Security (WPS) Media Network and supported by UN Women, brought together key stakeholders, including the state government and community leaders.
Deputy State Coordinator of the WPS Media Network, Comfort Mukollo, highlighted the significance of International Peace Day, observed annually on September 21, as a global celebration of peace, unity, and cooperation.
“This year’s theme, “Building Lasting Peace Through Dialogue and Cooperation,” underscores the need for inclusive dialogue and collaborative efforts in resolving conflicts and promoting sustainable peace.”, she stated.
Mukollo emphasised the importance of collective action to address pressing global issues such as climate change, inequality, and social injustice that threaten global peace and security.
She urged governments, civil society, and individuals to advocate for policies promoting peace, justice, and human rights, support peacebuilding initiatives, and engage in respectful dialogue.
In her remarks while responding to reporters’ questions, the permanent secretary of the State Ministry of Women Affairs, Sa’adatu Ishaya, noted that Gombe State has made significant strides in maintaining peace, with no severe security threats unlike other regions.
However, she tasked the state government and parents to address the menace of ‘Kalare’ thugs, citing idleness and lack of jobs as contributing factors.
Ishaya recommended providing jobs and moral training to tackle the issue.
