AGAINST the backdrop of bombings, killings, maiming and violent attacks, Nigeria, on Wednesday, 21st September, joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 2011 International Day of Peace (IDP)as members of the Coalition of Civil Societies on Community Peace (COCSOP) embarked on a candle light cum Peace Walk at the Independence/Government Arcade, opposite Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.In line with this year's theme, Religious Freedom, Path to Peace, COCSOP organised a four-day activities, including a special Jumat Service at Shafaudeen-in-Islam International Mosque, Wakajaye, Iyana-Church, Ibadan on Friday, 16th, a special interdenominational Prayer Service at the Fullstature Missions Church, Parliament Highway, beside INEC office, Secretariat, Ibadan on Sunday, 18th while an Under the Green Tree Peace Outreach with Interactive Forum with the Community Leaders took place Under Green Tree, opposite the Central Mosque, Erunmu, Oyo State on Monday , 19th September, 2011.At the Jumat Service, Professor (Engr.) Sabitu Ariyo Olagoke, the Ajagun Esin of Oyo state and Apostle I.D. Lawon, General Missions Director (GMD), Fullstature Missions International, respectively urged Nigerians to embrace peace in all their endeavours.Meanwhile, the Interactive Forum at Erunmu was as interesting as it was educative. It was chaired by the Most Revd. L.S. Ayo Ladigbolu, the retired Archbishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Ilesa Archdiocese, Who said that religious differences should not bring confusion but that each individual, irrespective of his religion, should strive to make peace and live in unity with his neighbours.He noted that simple issues like improper pronounciation of names, if not well handled, could cause wranglings, adding that religion should bring peace and unity among people.Ladigbolu, an Oyo Prince, in his characteristic display of his oral poetry prowess, admonished people to be wise and live in unity, even as he sang in Yoruba, using one of Odolaye Aremu's tune, that God is everybody's master, religion does not cause a fight, don't make me your enemy, let's live together in peace, God is everybody's master.The guest lecturer, Pastor R. Adedoyin noted that unemployment, women, money, sale of a parcel of land to two or many people, contribute to conflict.Adedoyin, a chartered mediator, said that peace starts from everybody and that peace is not only the absence of conflict, but the availability of justice and equity.Professor Jacob Adekola, an Erunmu indigene noted that a country that lacks peace cannot develop, adding that more universities were springing up without corresponding employment opportunities, therefore, urging the government to go back to farming.The community's youth leader, however, said that position , cheating, politics and smoking of marijuana contribute to lack of peace in the society.Elder Theophilus Ladeka also noted that government does not want peace for the people as it has failed in its responsibility of providing infrastructure like good roads for the people.Mr Olorunkosebi Olayinka spiced up the occasion with his dramatic rendition of a poem on how the nation's unity was abused because we refused peace and we lost our loved ones in the process.Mr Samuel Okewoye, who represented the management board chairman, Pastor Tunji Agboola, said that we should do everything possible on our part to live in peace with everybody (Romans 12:18), adding that peace should start from the family to the community, to the local government, to the state, to the federal and finally, to the international community.In his welcome address, which was read by Alhaji S.O. Akande, the Baale of Erunmu, Chief Philip Babarinde, said the United Nations was created on 24th October, 1945 to prevent a third world war even as he admonished parents to train their children to embrace peace so that they will not become deliquents.According to COCSOP state coordinator, Dr Adegbolagun Ademola George, Erunmu, an ancient town located about 15 kilometres East of Ibadan, was chosen to call government's attention to the need to develop the community.He also urged the sponsors and members of Boko Haram to be cautious and embrace dialogue.
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