Why you must consider peace resolutions for 2023 [1] — Our Security, Our Peace by Dr. O.E Bassey

It is not uncommon to see people make resolutions for the new year in their personal lives, corporate arena, family space, and what not. However, what is uncommon is seeing people having resolutions for a peace-filled year.

Ask ten people what they want in the new year, their response is most likely going to revolve around money, good health, happiness, joy, and all that. Only 3 — and if you are lucky 4 — will give a mention of ‘peace’ as a resolution.

But then still, it is not enough to say you want to lead a peace-filled life in 2023, and yet have no pragmatic idea on how to go about it, only hoping that peace finds you and stays with you. News flash — that is the biggest deceit anyone could ever impose on themselves.

Peace does not find anyone, rather you work at peace, for peace and in peace. It is work, and you must put in what it requires to get out that which you want. It is no wishful thinking, it is no praying work, it is more of knowledge and the will to have peace pervading your life.

With that said, the question then boils down to; how can one lead a peace-filled life especially in a country with peculiar characteristics like that of Nigeria entering into a political year, which I daresay makes it imperative for every resident and individuals concerned about Nigeria outside its shores to have peace living as one of their resolutions for the new year.

Love

This largely encapsulates peace and if only humans can let go of themselves, and be more selfless towards one another in their day-to-day activities, then peace is most likely going to be their lot, as anywhere love goes, peace follows.

It is important that if you consider the lifestyle of peace a worthy one to lead this new year, then love must be wrapped around you, giving it to yourself first, and then everyone you come across.

Again, it will be impossible to lead a peace-filled life if you don’t first love yourself before loving others. It starts from there.

Just

If you are the type who is never fair, never looking out for equity, then consider that peace will be far from you. Peace thrives on fairness. The human mind is intrinsically wired for peace, such that if there is any form of injustice played up by a person, the component called ‘conscience’ instantly pricks at one inevitably, and in that instance, and for a lot of people, peace becomes far-fetched.

Therefore, if peace is your goal in 2023, then being just with yourself and those around you is a highlane to attaining it.

Truth

The Bible says the truth will set you free. Wherever there is freedom, you find peace, and wherever you find these two, truth is a mainstay. The virtue of truth is an enabler of peace. You cannot be a truth-telling person, which in other words means transparency and honesty, and yet have a heart devoid of peace.

Truth is liberating to the heart, and truth binds people. When you say things you mean, and do things you mean, you will be at peace with people.

Tolerance

The moment there is another person involved in your life, then it is inevitable you bring on tolerance if you want to experience peace. Be it at home with family members, in the community with community members, at the office with your colleagues, in the religious centres with fellow worshippers; wherever you find yourself mixed with people, you are bound to find one or two things you don’t like about them. It might irk you, but you have to create a system of tolerance to accommodate others and who they are to live in peace with them.

‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.’ – John 16;33

Dr. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution 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 is an advocate of Peace Leadership and Child Protection.

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.

A professor of Peace Advocacy and Conflict Resolution, Dr. O.E Bassey is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently the Director of ICOF Institute of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Africa.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa. Currently, he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute of Peace Leadership.

Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2023 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For peace and security tips, consultations and trainings, reach him via:

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WhatsApp: +2347065828892

Mail: EmmanuelBassey@gmail.com