… Advises on how the Church can help in mitigating conflicts in our society
True and lasting peace typically requires justice because: Injustices often underlie conflicts. These were the words of Professor Folashade Ogunsola of the University of Lagos
The erudite Professor of Medical Microbiology and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos stated this while delivering a speech as guest speaker on the theme: ‘Peace In Nigeria’ at the annual Peace Award and Investiture on three eminent personalities by the Apostles of Peace Society International in Lagos
The three distinguished Nigerians that the awards were coffered on are the former governor of Osun State, chief Bisi Akande Chief (Sir)obi Okafor, Group Chief Executive Officer of Blue Start Group and Captain Ado Sanusi CEO, Aero Contractor Limited.
According to her, Justice addresses the root cause and creates a foundation for enduring peace. ”Allows for Legitimacy and Trust, stating that a just society engenders trust and cooperation among its members.”
She stated that the root causes of the problems encountered today by nations are greed, individualism, intolerance,envy, Self-centeredness, Selfishness , adding that all these fuel corruption, Inequality, Isolation, Resentment Conflict Poverty
Delving on conflicts in Nigeria, she said that conflicts and unrest in Nigeria are driven by a complex interplay of various factors, including:
1. *Ethnic and Religious Tensions*: Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups and multiple religious communities. Tensions between different groups, especially between Christians and Muslims, often result in violent clashes and persistent unrest.
2. *Economic Inequality and Poverty*: Widespread poverty and significant economic disparities between regions fuel resentment and contribute to social instability. High unemployment rates, especially among the youth, exacerbate these issues.
3. *Political Corruption and Governance Issues*: Corruption within the government and public institutions undermines trust and leads to inefficient resource allocation, which exacerbates poverty and inequality, fueling discontent.
4. *Resource Control and Environmental Degradation*: The oil-rich Niger Delta region has seen significant conflict over the control and distribution of oil revenues. Environmental degradation caused by oil extraction has also led to health and livelihood issues for local communities, prompting violent protests and militancy.
5. *Boko Haram Insurgency*: The Islamist militant group Boko Haram has been responsible for significant violence, including bombings, kidnappings, and attacks on civilians, particularly in the northeastern part of Nigeria. Their insurgency has led to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises.
5. *Boko Haram Insurgency*: The Islamist militant group Boko Haram has been responsible for significant violence, including bombings, kidnappings, and attacks on civilians, particularly in the northeastern part of Nigeria. Their insurgency has led to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises.
6. *Farmer-Herder Conflicts*: Competition over land and resources between predominantly Muslim Fulani herders and predominantly Christian farmers has resulted in violent clashes, particularly in the Middle Belt region. Climate change and desertification have exacerbated these conflicts by pushing herders southward into farming communities.
7. *Secessionist Movements*: There are various secessionist movements, most notably in the southeastern region, where the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) seeks independence. These movements can lead to violent clashes with government forces.
8. *Urbanization and Social Dislocation*: Rapid urbanization without adequate infrastructure and services has led to the growth of slums, social dislocation, and increased crime rates, contributing to urban unrest.
9. *Historical Grievances*: Historical grievances and perceived injustices, such as those related to the Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War) and colonial-era divisions, continue to influence contemporary conflicts.
Addressing these causes she said requires comprehensive and multifaceted approaches, including improving governance, promoting economic development, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and fostering inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue and understanding.
“Over the past five years, criminality across Africa has steadily increased and shows no sign of slowing down. Human trafficking remains a serious challenge; the cocaine markets have spiked in East, West and Southern Africa; and financial crimes are endemic in many regions,” the report says.
According to her, this is the third edition of the index, which has been published every two years since 2019. The rankings are based on a scale of zero to 10, and Nigeria’s 2023 overall “criminality score” is 7.28 (up from 7.15 in 2021).
She said the Holy Book, The Bible, calls on all Christians to be peacemakers, adding that the seventh beatitude takes every Christian worker into the task of conflict resolution.
Conflicts she said arise whenever people have differences of opinion. In a fallen world, the tendency is to ignore conflict or suppress it by using force, threat, or intimidation. But both of those are violations of the integrity (the sixth beatitude) of the people in conflict. In God’s kingdom, it is a blessing to bring people together who are in conflict. Only then is it possible to resolve the conflict and restore the relationships. (Later in this article, we will explore Jesus’ method for conflict resolution in Matt. 18:17-19.)
“The result of conflict resolution is peace, and peacemakers will be called children of God.” They will reflect the divine character in their actions. God is the God of peace (1 Thessalonians 5:23) and we show ourselves to be his children when we seek to make peace in the workplace, in the community, in our homes, and in the whole world.
On how the Church can help in mitigating these problems she proffers some solutions which include:
Promote Interfaith Dialogue: especially in troubled areas to reduce religious tensions, build mutual respect, and foster understanding and cooperation between different religious communities by organizing interfaith dialogues, joint community projects, and peace building workshops.
Advocate for Justice and Fairness: By speaking out against corruption, inequality, and human rights abuses, Advocate for policies and practices that promote justice and fairness, addressing some of the root causes of conflict.
Provide Social Services: education, healthcare, and vocational training, helping to alleviate poverty and provide opportunities for economic empowerment, which can reduce frustration and unrest
Mediate Conflicts: Church leaders can act as neutral mediators in conflicts between communities or groups to find peaceful resolutions.
Support Displaced Persons: Provide aid and support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, Organise to bring them to church and contribute to their reintegration into society.
Encourage Non-Violence and Forgiveness: Promote values of non-violence, reconciliation and forgiveness through sermons, teachings, and community programs, Can encourage individuals and communities to seek peaceful solutions to disputes
Community Development Projects – Initiatives such as building schools, clean water projects, and agricultural support can improve living conditions and reduce competition for scarce resources, which often fuels conflict
Youth Engagement –Must be more Youth-centered. Seek to understand them so we can engage them in positive activities such as sports, arts, and community service, to reduce the likelihood of them being drawn into violent activities.
Economic Empowerment Initiatives – Supporting entrepreneurship and providing micro-loans or business training, Set up vocational centres or partner with established ones, Help individuals start small businesses, creating jobs -reduce economic frustrations that can lead to unrest.
Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns – Churches can run campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of peace, tolerance, and coexistence, helping to shift public attitudes and reduce prejudice and hostility.
on the role of Christians in mitigating conflicts, she advise that should : “Share our Faith, Build and strengthen community bonds, both within the church and in the broader society, create inclusive and welcoming environments.
Provide and offer emotional and spiritual support to those facing challenges, providing encouragement, prayer, and a listening ear. Teach and mentor others, Help others to grow in their faith, develop their skills, and navigate life’s challenges.”
In his welcome address, the national president of the Apostles of Peace Society International, Engr Paul Ajisafe said: the Apostle of Peace International is a tapestry woven with threads of compassion, service and unwavering faith. We have intervened in the provision of several amenities to elevate status in education, communities and correctional homes that are cut off from essential supplies”