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The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has launched the pioneer National Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful Co-existence programme for 2022 to 2027.
Dr Garba Abari, Director-General (D-G) of the Agency, said during the launch that love, for God, for each other, and for humanity, should take the front burner in the country’s quest for peace and stability.
According to Abari, love is imperative in driving tolerance, peace and togetherness in any society.
The D-G was represented at the launch on Thursday, in Abuja, by Mrs Theresa Mmaduekwe, Director, Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilisation.
He said that the launch was in commemoration of the World Tolerance Observance Day; and affirmed NOA’s commitment to national peace and co-existence.
Ms Ijeoma Akwara, Coordinator, International Day for Tolerance and Peace Promotion (ID4TAPP), who led a delegation to the launch, threw more light on the concept.
Akwara, a promoter of the pioneer Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful Co-existence, said the Programme as an initiative designed with impact oriented activities that promoted inclusivity of all ethnicities’ in Nigeria.
She said the programme was designed to impact the 774 LGA’s in the country.
“It is a period for Nigerians to converge and collectively celebrate the strength, beauty, and uniqueness of the nation’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-lingual society.
“The Pioneer National Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful Co-existence Programme is scheduled to run from Nov. 16, 2022 to Nov. 16, 2027,” Akwarra said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr David Akoji, a Special Assistant to Abari, stressed the need to manage conflicts inherent in a diverse and multi-cultural society, for a stronger and indivisible people.
According to Akoji, Nigeria’s diversity has enabled the country to achieve a lot, in terms of Diaspora feats.
He therefore, said: “Those who seek to divide us are our real enemies.”
Noted that Nov. 16, has been set aside by UNESCO for global observance of peace and tolerance.
Recalls that the theme of this year’s programme is: “Why the unity in Our Diversity is Important”. (NAN