The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has charged Nigerians not to allow ethnicity and religion to divide the citizens thereby taking away the people from the part of peace and national unity.
Director General NOA, Dr. Garba Abari gave the charge on Thursday during the celebration of 2023 international peace day held in Lokoja, Kogi State in partnership with Mercy Corps a non governmental organization .
Abari who was represented by Oriasotie Idemuna Saturday, said the united nation had set aside the 21st of every September to celebrate peaceful coexistence of the people across the world.
“We are here in Kogi state with our partner the Mercy Corps to preach gospel of peace in the society.
“There is need for us to maintain peace at all time. NOA is in 774 local government areas in Nigeria and we will continue to preach the importance of peace.
“We will ensure that there is peace in Nigeria so that the citizens can enjoy the gains of peace which is development ” he stated.
The Director General also used the occasion to called on politicians to play politics according to the rules, noted that democracy which suppose to pave room for peace and development should not be turn to source of crisis.
“We are also calling on religious and traditional leaders to join hands with NOA and other relevant organisations to ensure that the forthcoming elections in Kogi , IMO and Bayelsa States are peaceful in the interest of peace.
The Acting Director NOA, Kogi State Directorate Mr Patrick Odogbanya emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence among all the diverse ethnic groups in the state.
He appealed to political parties in the state to go about their campaign peacefully to enable the people live in a peaceful environment.
