World Peace Day: Mainstream Peace in Covid-19 Responses, BBYDI Charges Govt, CSOs

The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) has called on governments, civil society organisations and international communities to mainstream peace in their response to Covid-19.

BBYDI made this in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Olasupo Abideen to mark 2020 International Peace Day.

The organization said the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to end insurgency in North East and Southern Kaduna Conflict.

Full Statement

Conflict slows down development. Historically, anywhere ravaged by conflict is unlikely to experience growth. Despite this, different places across the world continue to experience various forms of conflicts. With over 170 international and domestic peacebuilding organizations issuing an urgent call to action for peace, we at a point where our actions must be decisive and focused on attaining peace in every corner of the world.

Responses to crises that escalate violence, injustice and exclusion have led to setbacks in development and an increase in human suffering. As we start a rebuilding process in response to Covid-19; peace, justice, and inclusion must be at the heart of the response.

In Nigeria, the activities of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, continues to pervade the northeast. The government of the day has failed in exterminating the crisis and it has led to the death of many civilians and men of the armed forces who engage these terrorists in constant battles.

In the same vein, the bloody clashes in some communities in Southern Kaduna is a crisis that has festered for too long. Members of these communities have been subjected to fear for their lives with their means of livelihood threatened daily.

Undoubtedly, peace must be prioritized. On this occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Peace 2020, we at Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative call on governments, civil society organisations, international communities, to mainstream peace in their response to Covid-19.