The Culture of Peace – Our Peace, Our Security By Prof. O.E Bassey

On Saturday, September 21st, 2024 the world observed the World Peace Day, a day dedicated to promoting peace and halting conflicts across regions. This day, as always, reminds us that peace is not actually the absence of violence or war but a culture that must be actively nurtured and practised religiously.

We find, today in our world, tensions arise not only from full-blown conflicts but also from everyday conversation in our communities, workplace, and within families and friends, such that the need to cultivate a culture of peace has never been more dire, to say the least.

But to cultivate a culture of peace is no lip service, but deliberate efforts built on values like tolerance, dialogue, empathy, and mutual respect. It requires an active effort to create environments where justice, human rights, and equity thrive. Peace is more than just a distant ideal; it is realistic, practicable and possible in our daily interactions and decisions. The way we relate to others in our homes, workplaces, and public spaces contributes to the kind of society we intend to build. In every moment of conflict, there is always that opportunity to embrace peace, to listen, to understand, and to resolve differences with mutual respect.

In a country like ours, where diversity in culture, religion, and ethnicity often gives rise to tension and conflicts, the importance of fostering peace cannot be overemphasized. When we cultivate peace, we in turn help bridge divides and prevent conflict from taking root. This cultivation is not just a one-time effort but a consistent process that demands conscious choices by individuals, families, communities, and governments toward a more peaceful environment.

However, a key factor in the actualization of the peace culture which we need to invest in if we are to see the culture pervade the land is education. Children need to be taught, from a young age, the value of peaceful coexistence. Schools should serve as platforms where future generations learn conflict resolution, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Educating young people about tolerance and respect for diversity helps to break the cycle and propensity of violence and prejudice. This education extends beyond formal schooling as families and communities have the first

and closest responsibility of modeling peaceful behavior, and should take it up as a responsibility.

Moving to social media, and the weighty influence it wields in the world we live in

today. We must be vigilant in promoting peace online as well and be deliberate about stamping out contents that are divisive in nature. Hate speech, disinformation, and polarization are increasingly leading to hostility and conflict. To counter this, we must

foster digital literacy and encourage respectful communication in online spaces. Each of us can contribute by refusing to engage in or share content that fosters division, hate, or violence.

What about the role of leaders—whether political, religious, or community-based— in shaping a peaceful culture? Very critical. Their words and actions can either fuel division or encourage reconciliation. It is necessary that those in positions of power use their platforms to unite people and advocate for peaceful solutions. As individuals, we

too have the power to influence those around us by promoting peaceful behavior, supporting inclusive policies, and participating in community-building efforts.

Above all, one thing must be stated: peace begins within each of us. If we strive to cultivate inner peace—through self-reflection, patience, and empathy—we are better equipped to extend that peace to others. In our personal lives, we can practice kindness, resolve conflicts amicably, and be more understanding of the perspectives of others. These small, everyday actions collectively form the foundation of a peaceful society.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

Meanwhile, I am delighted to inform you that come October 1, 2024, we at NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership

will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

To this end is our campaign to spread the education of peace leadership to both the old and young, women and children in various places from corporate

organizations, to political organizations, worship centers, educational institutions, markets, and communities.

It is our belief that the more educated the people are in respect to peace leadership, the more peaceful our country will become.

So this is a call to action to hop on our Peace campaign train, to arm yourself,

your friends, your colleagues, your employees, and your congregation with

contemporary peace leadership knowledge that makes for a happier and more fulfilled life, personally and collectively.

Kindly call or send a message on Whatsapp to +2347065828892, to be a

beneficiary of this.

Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Conflict, Peace, and Security

Management Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace, and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United

Nations.

He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police

as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo,

Europe.

Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently a Professor of

Leadership, Peace, and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa,

he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.

Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:

Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey

LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey

X: Dr. O.E Bassey

WhatsApp: +2347065828892

Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com