Reverend Femi Ibikunle, Special Adviser on Interfaith to Oyo State Governor, has urged Nigerians to deliberately invest in peace in their daily lives. He made this call during the 2026 International Peace Day celebration held in Ibadan, organized by the Aviary Association Worldwide in collaboration with the United Nations. Ibikunle emphasized that peace is not just the absence of war, but also the presence of justice, security, dignity, and opportunity.
According to Ibikunle, peace does not happen by accident and must be built, funded, taught, and defended every day. He likened investing in peace to investing in roads, technology, and businesses, saying Nigerians must learn to prioritize peace in the same way. Ibikunle explained that investing in peace for everyone means promoting equity, listening, and humanity, while investing in peace everywhere means ensuring peace in homes, schools, communities, and the nation.
The event, themed "Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, and Everyday," aimed to promote peace and social development, particularly in Nigeria, which is grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and weakened social cohesion. Ibikunle urged citizens to invest in peace with their time, money, words, and actions, while refusing to be used for thuggery or tribal and religious crises. He also stressed the need for forgiveness, refusing to spread fake news, controlling anger, and praying for peace.
Pastor Tunji Agboola, Executive Director of Goodworker Ministry International, also spoke at the event, saying true peace requires investment in social trust, stronger institutions, and conditions that promote justice. Agboola emphasized that peace begins with how people treat one another, particularly during disagreements over religion, politics, and race. He cited biblical teachings on reconciliation and tolerance and stressed the need to equip children and young people with education, vocational skills, and opportunities.
Agboola listed five practical commitments to peace, including managing anger, raising children with dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution, investing in education and jobs, strengthening fair mediation systems, and treating peacebuilding as a daily responsibility. He also warned that social media could fuel violence through misinformation and emphasized the need to invest in youth before they become vulnerable.
Prince Oluwaseyi Olusa, Global President of the Aviary Association Worldwide, said the theme focused on peace as an active, daily investment built on justice, tolerance, and respect. Olusa, represented by Femi Josiah, president of the Oluyole Aviary Association, described the 2027 general election as a critical democratic milestone and called on political actors to embrace issue-based campaigns and peaceful conduct.
The Aviary Association Worldwide, in partnership with the United Nations, is committed to promoting peace and social development in Nigeria and beyond. The organization urged Nigerians to choose dialogue before conflict and build trust before suspicion becomes hostile. The event aimed to foster dialogue, strengthen communities, and promote civic responsibility among Nigerians.
Key points
- Reverend Femi Ibikunle calls on Nigerians to invest in peace daily.
- Pastor Tunji Agboola emphasizes the need for investment in social trust and stronger institutions to promote peace.
- The Aviary Association Worldwide and the United Nations partner to promote peace and social development in Nigeria.
