Dalung solicits support for FG in curbing hate speech, terrorism, corruption

Mr Solomon Dalung, Minister of Youth and Sport Development, has called on Nigerians to continue to support the Federal government’s efforts aimed at reducing hate speech, terrorism and corruption.

Dalung made the call in Abuja at the 2017 International Day of Peace organised by the Peace Corp of Nigeria (PCN).

The event as as theme, ‘’Together For Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for all.’’

According to him, celebration of peace cannot be complete if the efforts of those who have at one time or the other worked relentlessly to promote peace are not appreciated or commended.

“For the society to enjoy peace, peace must flow within you to the outside and spread without limits.

“It is equally important to remind you that we cannot live without peace.

“The need for peace is for all. It is, therefore, not only crucial but also urgent.

“It is, therefore, expected that we, especially young people should take it upon ourselves to do all at our disposal to entrench peace in all we say, where we go and in all we do.

“I encourage every young person to be seen as a soldier of peace to ensure peace globally. This is the sacrifice required from us all,’’ he said.

He, however, commended the outstanding role of PCN for its efforts toward ensuring peace across the country.

Earlier, the National Commandant of PCN, Mr Dickson Akoh, said addressing injustice of whatever form or seeking ideal of restructuring the country could not be achieved through violence and hate speech.

According to him, peace will be achieved based on the universal principles of dialogue and integrated negotiations, availed by democracy.

“We should not just celebrate peace on this day alone but also make it a ritual in our lives.

“It is in this regard that I wish to implore all Nigerians, particularly the youth, that we should realise that peace is one of humanity’s most precious needs.

“Lets us collectively promise, on this occasion, to make peace not just a priority but also our daily passion. If we do all these, we will be consolidating on gains and efforts of our security forces,’’ Akoh said.

He commended security agencies and the Armed Forces for their bravery in handling and taming insecurity, especially terrorism, kidnapping, farmers and herdsmen clashes.

It was reported that International Peace Day is commemorated across the country every Sept, 21 as declared by the General Assembly of the UN in 2001.