₦airaland Forum

*Covid 19: Between Nigeria, UK and America*
By Abdulrazaq Hamzat

Death and recovery ratio of Corona Virus patients between Nigeria, UK and United States of America reveal a fact that seems obscure.

While death rate of covid 19 patients in Nigeria is less than 4 percent, that of United Kingdom is more than 14 percent and in the United States of America, the rate is above 6 percent.

Similarly, the rate of recovery in Nigeria stands at about 25 percent, in US, it's less than 8 percent, while the statistics in UK is still not available.

If these statistics is anything to go by, we can safely say that, Nigerian medical officials are doing relatively better than their counterparts around the world, in terms of managing the covid 19 pandemic.

Since the break out of the pandemic in China and the subsequent spread around the world, the global community has been expressing serious concerns about what may likely happen in developing countries like Nigeria, with poor health system. But the country seems to be doing relatively well, at least for now.

Although, after Nigeria recorded its first covid 19 index case, the World Health Organization (WHO) commended the country's prompt response, in setting up facilities to contain and manage the pandemic, but not many people in Nigeria and even around the globe share in WHO's optimism about the country's readiness and capacity.

Nigerians are there own worst critics, all geared towards putting their government on high alert.

While people who express fear and concerns, about the capacity of Nigeria with it's large population to manage the virus have genuine reason to do so, especially owing to the poor health system in the country, when countries with better health infrastructure are finding it hard to do so, Nigeria is providing that it can indeed respond to the situation, even better than many developed countries as rightly noted by the World Health Organization.

For example, three days before covid 19 was discovered in New York USA, Nigeria recorded its first case in Lagos.

However, 6 weeks later, while Nigeria has a little over 500 cases with less than 20 death, New York already had about 240,000 cases, with more than 17000 deaths.

Within this period, USA had become the epic center of the virus in the world, having more than 30 percent of the global cases and about 25 of the deaths.

Some sections of the public, including the US President, Donald Trump has argued that the high cases in US, is largely due to the large number of testing taking place in the country, but beyond the high number of cases, even the death and recovery ratio between Nigeria and US indicates that Nigeria is still doing better, in terms of management.

According to the statistics available, USA currently has about 740,000 cases of covid 19, with close to 40,000 deaths and 66,000 recovery. By the above stat, the percentage of covid 19 patients in USA, who have so far recovered is just about 8 percent.

While in Nigeria, out of the 540 cases recorded so far, with less than 20 deaths, 166 have recovered, meaning that about 25 percent had so far recovered.

As for the United Kingdom, it's over 120,000 cases have recovered more than 16000 deaths, putting it's death rate to more than 14 percent.

So, while USA currently has an 8 percent recovery rate, Nigeria has about 25 percent recovery rate, with no record for UK, showing that the capacity of Nigerian health workers to respond to the crisis is grossly under recognized, when compared to these developed countries.

Although, this ratio may change with increase outbreak and sustained pressure on the health infrastructure, but with these figures, we can say that, the competence and capacity of Nigerian health workers to handle the crisis is not in doubt.

We have also seen that, the death rate of Corona Virus in Nigeria is less than 4 percent, as out of positive cases of about 540, less than 20 deaths have been recorded. While in USA, more than 66,000 deaths have been recorded, out of more than 740,000 cases.

What Nigeria needs to do, is to improve it's economic and social management capacity, through creativity.

The country must also pay more attention to the feeding of its lockdown population and as a matter of fact, it must come up with creative ways of sourcing for resources to provide the food needs of the nation.

*Abdulrazaq Hamzat*

10 things required to help Nigeria get over Corona Pandemic

1. All Nigerians should stay at home

2. Private businesses should follow government lead by paying their workers, even if it is 50% of their salaries

3. Telecoms should give citizens free emergency credit for calls and internet access

4. National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA) should partner with state governments to provide emergency food suppliers to all states across the federation

5. All corporate organisations should credit government with emergency support funds, which should be used to support citizens in need during this national emergency

6. All political parties should issue statements declaring support for government and encourage their members to collaborate with government in any way they can.

7. All traditional rulers should complement government and assist them in ensuring compliance to directives in their domain

8. Religious leaders should also support government by following instructions and disseminating same to their followers via the media. They should also encourage their followers to volunteer, aswell as offer their places of worship to government for use.

9. Transporters and Leadership of Nurtw should also collaborate with government and volunteer their members across the country to provide emergency transport services

10. Lecturers through their association, ASUU should volunteer their services to government in whatever capacity necessary

Abdulrazaq Hamzat
Executive Director
Foundation For Peace Professionals
08076976917

santakris:
Your write-up says coca cola road not bridge my friend.

For emphasis sake nothing has been done on that road. Infact I met boys filling pot holes yesterday when I passed through the road.

Stop claiming undue glory.

According to you, Coca cola bridge was done, but Coca cola road has not been done.

Where's the bridge? On my head?
Is bridge not part of a road?
Abeg, talk another thing.

If bridge has been done, isn't that part of a larger project?

We said over 150 ongoing road projects.

You confirm that Coca cola bridge has been done. Does that not simply tell you that we are saying the obvious?

Stop arguing blindly. Admit you are wrong

RichBoy247:
Have you been to Kwara State before? Can you point to Kwara State on Nigeria's map? My friend, keep quiet

True

santakris:
That is the Coca cola bridge that was done which is not up to 100feet. Gov AA is really trying let's support him prayerfully but not with lies. Peace

What exactly are you saying?

By your own admission, you said coca cola bridge was done. Everyone knows it was done.

You said it's not up to 100 feet. I don't know about the feet.

But was it done or not? It was done.

So, who is lying?

NOUN students association issue safety tips on Corona Virus

It's very easy to verify.

Just walk down from captain cook to 7 up. Anyone can easily verify this

Coca-Cola road has not only been done, it has been completed

Coca-Cola road is one of the first road projects done by the gov't.

santakris:
Oga. Coca cola road (Kwara central) is my regular route every day. I still passed through the road this morning. No rehabilitation has been done on that road. Not even a sign of contractor on site.

As much as I love and support Gov AA I will not support lies. Stop misleading people please.

Why lying in public?

This is the same road that has been completed. Well constructed, with the small bridge

*Over 150 ongoing road projects in Kwara State almost at no cost*

By Abdulrazaq Hamzat

Kwara Must Change, a Pro-Democracy group has been following very keenly, the pace of development in Kwara State and in the course of this engagement across the state, the group has come to understand that the Kwara State government is currently executing more than 150 road projects across the state, some of which are about to commence, others are ongoing or completed, either construction or rehabilitation.

Ordinarily, with the Kwara of yesterday that we used to know, this figure seems highly exaggerated and unreal, but to be honest with you, the figure is very real.

While it is true that Kwara Must Change has not been to all the over 150 projects, it is also true that it has been to several of the ongoing projects and based on available records, we can say that indeed, Kwara State is executing more than 150 road projects across the 16 local government areas of the state.

After the publication of an article titled ‘’3 hours with Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’’ where i echoed in passing, the discovery of Kwara Must Change, about the over 150 ongoing road projects being executed in the state, a couple of people had reached out to me, asking to know more about the projects.

While some people are probing the claim to be able to criticize it, rightly or wrongly, others are asking because they really want to know, so as to follow the pace of development in the state with all sense of responsibility.

I have therefore penned down this opinion to provide some context to the claim, while those who need specific details can reach out to appropriate authorities.

*Kwara North*
In Kwara North for example, particularly in Baruten Local Government, several road projects are either ongoing , in the pipeline or already completed, among which include, Market junction road, Emir Palace road, Gwanara road, Okuta-Kenu- Gwanara road, Ilesha Baruba road, Maigida Baanu road and many others.

In Edu local government, we have the secretariat road Lafiagi, Tswata Bodzo road, Tsonga road, Tsaragi Market road, Batakpan box culvert, Lafiagi Bacita road, Ahmadu bello way, Bacita road, Zaria road and many others.

Moving on to Mooro Local Government, we have the Pepsi road, Labour camp road, Jebba road, Sabo road, Bode Saadu road, Taiwo road, Station road, Shao Malete road, Shao township road, Oke Oyi Lanwa road, Lanwa Oloru road and many others.

In Kaiama Local government, Bode Saadu-Kaiama road is ongoing. Then we have Kaiama-Kosubosu road, Kaiama to Chainage road, Kaiama general hospital road and several others. In Patigi on the other hand, the Emir’s palace road is ongoing, along with several others.

*Kwara South*
When you go to Kwara South, particularly in Offa local government, several roads are under construction, rehabilitation or about to commence, among which include, Popo road, Omolola Olagunju road, Secretariat road, Taiwo road, Offa Ojoku road, Federal Polytechnics Offa road and several others.

In Irepodun Local Government, we have the Museum road in Esie, Taiwo road in Omu Aran, Oro-Esie- Arandun road, Omuaran-Oro ago road, College of Education, Oro road and several others.

Moving on to Oyun Local Government, we have the Town hall station road, African School road to Oyan and Erin ile road.

Others include, Oke Oyan bridge, Oro Ago- Oke Oyan road, Oke Oyan- Owakajola road and others.

In Ifelodun Local government, Oro Ago- Oyate road, Oro Ago-Owa Kajola-Owu fall road, Ajasse Igbaja- Yaru- Okeode road, Kabba-Kajola- Alomiliya- Ogbondoroko road, Shagbe- Babanla -Oreke road, Abayan Ora road, Shagbe Ologomo Bisewa-Zambufu road and others.

When you get to Oke Ero Local Government, Ilofa - Imode road is there, Aiyedun Township road is there, Osi- Obbo Aiyegunle road is there, Odo Owa- Erinmope road is there and several others.

In Isin Local government, Owode-Ofaro- Afin- Ikosun- Alabe- Oreke road, Oke Onigbin, Isanlu Isin road, Isanlu isin -Owa Onire-Owu fall road.

We also have that of Osi township road in Ekiti local government and others.

*Kwara Central*
Coming back to Kwara Central, we have the Rehabilitation of vandalized Cargo terminal at Ilorin International Airport, Internal road of College of Arabic and Islamic legal studies (CAILS), Odota- Lao road, Sango-Akerebiata road, Ganmo road rehabilitation, Gaa Akanbi, Agbabiaka road, Kilanko Michael Imodu road, Area court center Igboro road, Tanke, overcomers eastern reservoir network road, Culvert at Okesuna primary school, Coca cola road, Otte eroded portion of federal road, Interlock at Koro Afoju and several others.

These are just the few that can be captured here.

It is important to note that, a significant portion of these projects are being handled by local contractors, which is a deliberate policy by government to encourage indigenous contractors.

With this policy, the Kwara State government is killing three birds with just one stone.

Firstly, government is providing road infrastructure to make the transportation of goods and services easy.

Secondly, it is creating jobs, through the engagement of local contractors, aswell as increasing their capacity to compete at the national level.

And finally, it is doing the above two at no cost to the state's economy, since the larger chunk of the cost is still retained here, thereby stimulating the economy.

In other words, Kwara State government gives out the job, the jobs get done, yet Kwara State economy still retains the cash.

*Abdulrazaq Hamzat is the Convener of Kwara Must Change*

What are you talking about

*3 Hours with Governor Abdulrahman*

By Abdulrazaq Hamzat

I have seen Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq speaks on the development policies of his administration for more than 3 hours, without looking at any book or script.

Like a Hafiz, who had memorized all of the Quran, the Kwara State governor was pouring out his mind in such a clearly articulated manner, like he had planned out Kwara development all of his life.

The interesting part of the presentation was that, the governor wasn’t talking to a group of world leaders or some high-level political and business executives, he was just talking to some random young people, who had expressed sufficient interest in knowing the direction of his administration and he made it a duty to put them in the picture.

From his head, he drew out the map of Kwara State, with adequate labelling of the areas in discussion to paint some graphical representations, connecting one town to the other, and showing how he intended to link about 4 local government areas together, for the upliftment of commercial activities in the state. I later learnt that this was in line with the governor’s quest to shift Kwara State away from being a civil servant state, to a state driven by industry and technology.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq didn’t only talked about linking Kwara State together for intra state economic activities, he also located on his drawn map, the links with nearby states and explained why federal government would have to be drawn into the plan, to handle their own part of the responsibilities.

Typical of a strategist, who can see the end before the beginning, Governor Abdulrahman explained how he intends to persuade the federal government to share in his big vision of not only providing water through irrigation and connecting Kwara to other neighboring states, but also to create a one line drive, from far away Ivory Coast to Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital, in taking full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

The governor also noted that, Nigeria must be ready to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and Kwara State is going to be playing a frontline role in that process, being a border state with Benin Republic, through Kwara North, in Baruten Local government area.

In this 3 hours discussion, Governor Abdulrahman did not only talked about creating a whole new modern economic market in Kwara North, he also mapped a space for what he then described as a mega cattle village, which would allow Kwara State to be center for massive economic activities, not only servicing the cattle needs of North Central or Nigeria, but also open to other African countries.

Let me confess that this event didn’t happen yesterday or this year, it happened some months ago, not long after the administration came on board, precisely around July 2019 and when one carefully observe the development in the state ever since, one can see clearly, the gradual manifestation of this grand plan to set Kwara on the path of prosperity.

For a governor, who inherited a state without economy, a state ran as a private enterprise of an individual for 2 decades, especially when the state is used as a cash cow to service the ego and over bloated life style of the men of yesterday, it is necessary that reconstruction should be the focus and that is why the first budget pushed forward by the government is tagged reconstruction budget.

What we had before is like a building without foundation and no matter how much efforts is put into sustaining it, it would eventually collapse.

The Kwara State governor is taking the long and difficult route of reconstruction, which would certainly attracts some kinds of criticism.

In the 2020 budget for example, being the first budget of this administration, we can see the priority of industry and technology. We can see priority in social spending that would stimulate the economy. We can also see welfarism vis -a-vis health and education. This is apart from the over 150 road projects, either ongoing, about to commence or completed, some of which are construction, rehabilitation or turn around maintenance. All of these would add value to the viability of the state.

But like every bold action, it may take a little while to appreciate his commitment, but sooner or later, even the blind will not deny the manifestation of a sustainable development.

From being a cash cow that is used to service personal life style of the men of yesterday, the first budget of Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is making attempt to set Kwara’s foot on the path of industrial and skilled based development

Afterall, how much can the state really do without creating sources for alternative revenue, when more than 70% of its federal allocation are used to pay salaries, which would also increase very soon with the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage? This is apart from the fact that, all 100% local government federal allocations are used to pay salaries, which would also increase with the implementation of N30,000 minimum wage.

The question is, how will the local government meet up the payment of minimum wage, when their federal allocation is not even enough to cater for that?

Of course, many would say, what about the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the answer is very simple, if federal allocation would not be enough to pay ordinary salary of workers, who are less than 2% of the population, how much really can the current IGR do, if alternative sources of revenue are not opened?

And assuming that the IGR can be used to compliment federal allocation to pay minimum wage, what then would be used for development and to cater for the remaining 98% of the population? This is why the government is taking full advantages of counter funding opportunities, in addition to creating enterprising opportunities.

Finally and as you may have observed, Kwara State doesn’t have a state development plan. I mean, how can a state really develop without a state development plan?

You cannot just erect buildings under the guise of infrastructure, there should be a clear-cut direction for development both in short and long term, human and capital, assets and liquidity. But this has been missing in the state of harmony for decades.

Thankfully, it is understood that the current government is already working towards it and we hope that this would give birth to a new developmental approach.

*Abdulrazaq Hamzat is the Convener of Kwara Must Change*

*UN assures Kwara of support on SDGs, as Dr Jamila meets Deputy Secretary General*

The Deputy Secretary General of United Nations, Hajia Amina J Muhammed has assured Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim of the support of United Nations towards the achievement of SDGs in the state.

The Deputy UN Secretary General gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to her in Abuja by the SA on (SDGs).

During the meeting, Hajia Amina advised Dr Jamila on strategic approach to take on SDGs implementation in Kwara State and offered to provide valuable technical assistance.

She also commended her on the efforts made so far in identifying priority areas peculiar to the state and astute integration with the Goals.

Earlier, Dr Jamila told the Deputy Secretary General about the ongoing development of a baseline assessment for SDGs in Kwara State.

She also discussed the priorities of the state, which is in tandem with Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's 12 point agenda.

End

naijaguy123456:
Kudos to him . Otoge to bad governance in kwara state .

Indeed

FrLukas:
How much for this post please?

Not everyone sell their sole and future for a pot of porage

Is Governor Abdulrazaq an angel or super-man?

Within 48hours, the Kwara State governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq could rotate from Kwara Central (Ilorin), to Kwara North (Edu) and then to Kwara South (Irepodun).

Considering the distance between the 3 senatorial districts and the state of the road especially in Kwara North, this could only mean one thing, the governor works within 48hours without sleeping.

In ilorin, he maybe seen launching free book project to all students in government schools in Kwara State to enhance education, in Edu, inspecting road construction and resuscitation of Bacita sugar factory, then in Kwara South, whether in Irepodun or Ifelodun, he maybe visiting Owu waterfall for assessment of the tourist attraction or even observe the ongoing road construction to Esie Museum.

If you ask me, this governor doesn't look like someone who isn't charged or who doesn't have a plan. In the contrary, only a mission, backed with action plan, plus strong commitment and determination to succeed could be a motivating factor for such restless work ethics by the number one man in Kwara.

In fact, i could say that, he is even working like an angel or to say the least, a super man.

It is true that there maybe many issues needing government attention, or in which government is required to take more bolder actions, but it doesn't seems like they were left undone intentionally.

It is therefore important for all to continue to do their part by bringing attention to those issues and be open minded when engaging them, so as to disagree to agree.

*Commentary by Kwara Must Change*

*Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq met EU delegation, explore areas of collaboration*

Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and his Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim today, met with the delegation of European Union in Nigeria.

The meeting, which took place at the EU office in Abuja, afforded the Kwara State Governor an opportunity to have extensive deliberation on the state of things in Kwara State with the EU and to explore areas of possible collaboration.

In a tweeter message sent out by EU, the body stated that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq met with the head of EU delegation, Ambassador Ketil Karlsen and his team.

"Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak of Kwara state has today visited the @EUinNigeria Delegation, where he met with Ambassador Ketil Karlsen and his team on areas of possible collaboration between @kwaragovt and the #EU" it said.

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Olawepo-Hashim Mourns former NADECO vice chairman, Arthur Nwanko
-says Nigeria has lost an Intellectual Giant

Former Presidential Candidate and a Businessman, Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has described late Dr. Arthur Nwankwo as an intellectual giant, patriot and crusader for democracy, who lived an exemplary life for the promotion of good governance in Nigeria.

Dr. Nwankwo was running mate to Olawepo-Hashim during the 2019 Presidential Election.

In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Ibrahim, the former presidential candidate said Nigeria, indeed would miss Dr. Nwankwo at a time that his contributions and counsel for the furtherance of a progressive Nigeria, was needed.

Dr. Nwanko, he said, worked tirelessly for the return of Nigeria to democracy and deserved to be immortalised.

"His contribtions towards the entrenchment and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria were immeasurable. Togther with other intellectuals from across the county, we spent hours at his New Haven residence in Enugu few days to the 2019 general election where we discussed the way forward for a united Nigeria."

"My condolence to his family and the Enugu state government and to all those who share in the ideals of Dr. Nwankwo aptly described as a great patriot and crusader of Nigerian democracy," the statement added.

*Observe decorum in public utterances, Kwara Must Change urges Saraki*

_*Says misguided outbursts on Ile Arugbo, makes amicable settlement difficult*_

A leading pro democracy group in Kwara State, Kwara Must Change has expressed doubt in the possibility of any amicable settlement in the Ile Arugbo debacle between the Kwara State government and the Saraki family.

The group also said that it would be difficult to find any none legal solution on the matter because of the unfortunate outburst of a former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the subsequent controversies it generated, including the statement of Minister of State for Transport, Senator Gbemisola Saraki which claimed that the family is being witchhunted.

In a statement by Kwara Must Change state coordinator, Comrade Yusuf Olatunji, the group said that the move by a legal representative to the Saraki family, exploring out of court settlement is a welcome development, but it doubts if such move is not coming late and at the wrong time.

Recall that Kwara Must Change had in a statement queried why Dr Bukola Saraki took a confrontational approach in his first reaction to the Ile Arugbo matter, instigating crisis and claiming to be victimised, when he has not even explored means of amicable resolution.

Yusuf maintained that, "That misguided outburst, which should be the last resort, came first and practically made any amicable settlement impossible.

The group wondered why the Saraki family didn't explore this amicable settlement option first before creating an impression of we versus them, then turning around to seek settlement after making the government look bad, when it is simply doing what it thinks is right and best for the state.

Yusuf concluded that, as they hope for a positive outcome in the proposed resolution, he advised Dr Bukola Saraki and other members of the Saraki dynasty to learn decorum in public utterances, saying that as leaders, much is expected from them.

End

�

Blue3k:
If they aren't guilty they're able to get bail. Most of the inmates are still on trial. Loosening the bail requirements keep numbers from swelling futher.

If the plead guilty they should get time served. Credit them with the time the sat in prison so it either reduces time in prison or allows them to leave immediately.

If that can happen, or if it has happened, we won't be here

Blue3k:
There's 2 ways to go about releasing people.

1. Grant some bail and losen bail requirements
2. Time served for anyone who pleads guilty

Don't understand this

*PeacePro urges FG to free all unsentenced prisoners in Nigeria*

A Non Governmental Organisation, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to free all unsentenced prisoners in Nigeria.

The organization also said that, setting free suspects, who have been held in detention without justice, is far more honourable than keeping innocent people perpetually in prison.

In a statement by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, an Executive Director of PeacePro on Friday, the organisation announced its advocacy to end what it described as "destructive incarceration " in the country.

Hamzat explained that, the advocacy to end "destructive incarceration" in Nigeria is part of its recommendations in the upcoming edition of Nigeria Peace Index (NPI), a national replica of the renown Global Peace Index research.

According to him, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) had shown that over 72% of people in prison cells or correctional facilities across Nigeria are unsentenced prisoners, some of whom had spent over 10 years in prison, for a crime that if convicted, they would probably spend less years in jail.

Hamzat states further that, while the organisation recognises the numerous efforts of government aimed at correcting the concern, he regrets that all government efforts to address the culture of "destructive incarceration " have yielded little result and he believes that it is time to forgive those in detention, if they have indeed committed any crime.

Mr Hamzat explained that, some people might argue that freeing suspected criminals in a country currently battling different kinds of insecurity challenges may be dangerous, but we are of the views that imprisoning innocent people is even far more dangerous because it is a worse form of injustice.

"This is why the law prefers to release 99 suspects than jail 1 innocent person" he said, adding that those suspects are kept in detention without justice for no fault of there's.

Furthermore, Mr Hamzat maintained that, "In a country like Nigeria, where Niger Delta militants, who waged armed war against the nation are pardoned, where bandits who kidnapped and killed many are forgiven and where repentant Boko Haram members, whose comrades are still at war with the nation are accommodated, certainly, seeking forgiveness for suspects of petty crimes, who have been held in detention for a long period should not be out of place.

We therefore call on the President of Nigeria and Attorney General of the federation to look into this proposal and calling on all people of goodwill to support the initiative.

Recall that the maiden edition of Nigeria Peace Index (NPI) was release in 2018, with Osun, Kogi and Ekiti State emerging 3 most peaceful state in Nigeria.

The next edition of the NPI shall be released in months to come.

End

PEACE BUILDING IN PLATEAU STATE AND NIGERIA

BY MABAS MARYAM IDI

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” (Albert Estein)
Well, before dwelling into a bit of discussion, I would like to give a hint about what peace really is, as we had been yearning about it for a long time.

PEACE: is considered to be general condition where is calm and order in a specific environment, mind or body. Where there is peace, means there is no disturbance or conflict of any sort.

Peace had firm roots in all major world religions. For instance, in Christianity, Jesus of Nazareth was often referred to as “The prince of peace” and as well as The Messiah.

Similarly, in Islam, peace is always the motive. For the name itself means peace. And its Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was also regarded as the envoy of peace to the world and humanity.

Plateau state and Nigeria as a whole; being the subject of discussion and concern today was indeed a heterogeneous setting with multi-ethnic and religious inhabitants.

Yet that was not deterrence for peace to co-exist. Most of the people of this great nation adhered to one of the two world’s major religion (Christianity and Islam), and these religions preaches no harm.

To prove this, the Christian Bible in psalm 34:14 has this to say: “Turn from evil and do good: seek peace and pursuit it.” Likewise, the Muslim Qur’an 2:208 also says: “O you who believe! Enter absolutely into peace(Islam). Do not follow the footstep of the Satan.”

Our people, with the above extracted from the Holy books of the two most popular religions, one could affirm my foresaid statement that no religion preaches violence and conflict.

And those who preach and encourage violence and disunity are no other, but agents of the devil and total disbelievers.

For all we could do is call them to order using love, kindness and tolerance. For I believe “an eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind”.

Do not be brainwashed by the Boko Haram, ISIL and Co., they are nothing but a satanic cult group willing and determined to exterminate the human race.

They are strictly anti-human and nothing more, for their target is everyone, either you Muslims, Christians atheists or whosoever, they simply kill us, loot our belongings, kidnap and rape our sisters, children, wives, mothers, later on use them for suicide attacks. This is who they are, and not one of the two religions.

Having known the reality of the facts at hand, let us see how peace (a lasting one) can be achieved on plateau, Nigeria and the world at large.

ELEMENTS OF PEACE
To counter this, I have three (3) most important points or elements, if duly understood and followed, peace will be achieved.

 TOLERANCE: this is the willingness to recognize and respect the beliefs or practices of others. As long as we will adhere to this very simple but complex doctrine of tolerance, an everlasting peace will be achieved throughout the globe.

Our brothers and sisters, Let’s tolerance be the guide and love of every religion. Let’s respect others world view, let’s build the strength within us to master our differences.

 LOVE: it is a strong positive emotion of regard and affection. We should have a positive regard to each other; be it rich or poor, Muslims or Christians, young or old. We are all humans created by One God.

 KINDNESS: it is an act of showing affection, benevolence or a charitable behavior. An individual that is kind will share in the problems of others.

He or she will be ready to displease himself or herself in other to satisfy the immediate needs of the other.

Our youth, your vibe is contagious. Make sure it’s a good one.

Love is the only abstract force that keeps humanity in bond. Let’s shun away from hypocrisy, finalism and extremism. Let love, tolerance and kindness be the regulating factors in harmonizing our differences. Let’s be our brother’s keeper. Let love take the lead.

Our people, darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Wickedness cannot drive out wickedness; only kindness can do that. Says Rev. Martins

Peace begins with you and I. as long as we respect the human race with no difference from Muslims to Christians, rich or poor, young or old, then and only then will there be peace.

With this, I challenge you all to be good ambassadors of peace on the plateau, the nation and the world at large.

My people, “peace begins with a smile.” Says mother Theresa. Thus, I urge you all to smile and give peace a chance to reign.

Mariam Mabas is an associate of the Foundation for Peace Professionals

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