BY Janefrances Chibundu
Joseph Ochogwu, director-general of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), has called for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.
Ochogwu said it is important to create public awareness of the dangers of intolerance.
He said this in a statement on Tuesday to mark this year’s ‘International Day for Tolerance’.
The director-general emphasised the need for tolerance to promote peace and development.
“In 1996, the UN general assembly adopted resolution 51/95 proclaiming November 16 as International Day for Tolerance,” the statement reads.
“This action followed the adoption of a declaration of principles on tolerance by UNESCO‘s member states on November 16, 1995.
“The declaration is to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance. It is observed on November 16 of every year.
“It is a day we call on the people and the nations of the world to imbibe the culture of tolerance, to have an understanding of each other’s diversity and differences, so that we can manage ourselves and live peacefully.
“The international day for tolerance highlights the importance of living together irrespective of racial, religious, cultural and traditional differences.
“It brings together people of diversity to live in a common world, where we have a common humanity and shared resources.
“Tolerance is not a passive thing, it is an active thing that needs to be shared, taught, nurtured and nourished to ensure that people of different background and culture are able to manage their differences and live peacefully as human beings. It also helps to promote peace and development.
“Therefore, the 2023 International Day for Tolerance is a clarion call for governments and people of nations of the world to live together peacefully and tolerate one another irrespective of beliefs, religion, tribe, ethnicity and race.”
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