Promoting Peace and Unity: Inauguration of Committee in Abuja

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Oneworld Initiative for Sustainable Development (OISD), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, has formally launched a steering committee aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence in Abuja.

During the inaugural event of the ‘Culture for Peace Project,’ held on Tuesday, Mrs. Justina Pawa, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, emphasized the timeliness of this initiative.

She stated that the committee’s primary role is to identify, list, and study the various groups within the FCT, with the objective of facilitating social interaction, economic development, peaceful coexistence, and the overall well-being of all residents.

Mrs. Pawa emphasized the importance of this effort for the FCT’s residents, as it would lead to less administrative burden and help establish Abuja as a model city.

Furthermore, one of the anticipated outcomes of this committee’s work is the development of a Cultural Policy for Abuja, which will identify and promote cultural activities within the FCT.

Timothy Achanya, President of OISD, explained that the project was conceived in response to Nigeria’s fragile state and conflict-prone social environment.

He highlighted the influence of religious, ethnic, and tribal biases, which have resulted in distrust, lack of patriotism, disunity, and a desire to harm one another even with minor provocations. This trend is now emerging in Abuja, despite its reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest cities.

Achanya also noted the influx of individuals fleeing insurgency and crime in affected states, leading to a significant increase in Abuja’s population. This, in turn, has placed strain on the city’s social, economic, human, and physical infrastructure. If left unchecked, it could undermine Abuja’s status relative to other Nigerian cities. This project aims to utilize culture as a unifying force to address these challenges and bring the city’s residents together.

The Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT council of chiefs Alh. Adamu Baba Yunusa,, represented by his Personal Assistant, Hamza Usman, pledged their support, drawing upon their experience as custodians of tradition and culture to help resolve conflicts in the FCT.