In a keynote address at a 2-day national engagement on addressing identity-based conflict, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity is a beautiful strength, not a call for division. He urged Nigerians to leverage their differences to build a united nation, where everyone can thrive in an environment of security, dignity, and lasting peace.
Kalu highlighted the need to properly identify the issues fueling identity-based conflicts, including farmers/herders clashes, banditry, and violent agitations, and their possible causes. He emphasized that this is crucial in proffering lasting solutions to the problems.
The Deputy Speaker called for collaboration between government, civil society, community leaders, and international partners to address the root causes of division and foster evidence-based solutions. He noted that mapping the actors who shape conflict dynamics is a critical first step towards a more peaceful Nigeria.
Kalu’s message emphasized the importance of unity, diversity, and inclusion in building a strong and peaceful nation. He encouraged Nigerians to join hands, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds, to achieve a common national objective.
The national engagement, organized by the International Republican Institutions (IRI) and National Endowment for Democracy (NED), aimed to bring together stakeholders to address the challenges of identity-based conflict and promote national cohesion.
LV