By Peter Ogege
Every September 21, the world over takes a pause to mark the International Day of Peace, a reminder that peace is not just the absence of war but the foundation for human progress, justice, and sustainable development.
The 2025 commemoration carries profound significance at a time when global conflicts, economic struggles, and political unrest continue to test the resilience of nations and communities.
Across the globe, peace remains a fragile ideal, often overshadowed by armed conflicts, terrorism, and widening inequality. From the ongoing humanitarian crises in the Middle East and Africa to rising tensions between global superpowers, the absence of peace fuels displacement, poverty, and social disintegration.
The 2025 Peace Day theme underscores that without stability, no society can thrive; peace is therefore the bedrock on which security, innovation, and human dignity are built. Put differently – “No Peace, No Society”.
In Nigeria, peace is not an abstract concept; it is a daily necessity. Ethnic-religious tensions, insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, conflicts in the Niger Delta, and the separatist agitations in the South East all serve as stark reminders of the cost of discord.
These conflicts not only claim lives but also stifle economic opportunities, scare away investors, and deepen poverty. A peaceful Nigeria would unlock its vast potential, fostering unity in diversity and allowing its citizens to live with dignity and security.
In Delta State, peace has been central to development strides over the past years. The state, once marred by militancy and oil-related crises, has learned that sustainable growth and social harmony are only possible when peace reigns. Government efforts at reconciliation, infrastructural investment, and youth empowerment all hinge on a peaceful environment.
Little wonder, the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has as part of it’s MORE Agenda, “Enhanced Peace and Security” which is the hallmark of not only governance, but also a society which is ready continuous development.
Without peace, the state risks sliding back into unrest, undermining the gains of development and social cohesion.
A society without peace is one trapped in a cycle of fear, mistrust, and instability. Conflicts tear apart families, displace communities, and cripple economies. In such an environment, education suffers, healthcare collapses, and future generations inherit despair instead of hope.
The absence of peace leaves room for violence, crime, and hate to flourish—destroying the very fabric of society.
As we join the global community to celebrate World Peace Day, the call is clear: peace must be everyone’s responsibility. Governments must prioritize justice, fairness, and inclusivity.
Communities must embrace dialogue over violence. Citizens must reject hate and intolerance, choosing unity over division. From the family unit to the global stage, peace begins with individual actions—listening, forgiving, and working together for the common good.
While we reflect on this year’s Peace Day, Nigeria and Delta State in particular must commit to building bridges across divides. Only through peace can societies thrive, economies grow, and humanity flourish.
