Prof Tajudeen Akanji of the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, has urged Nigerians to collaborate to promote peace and equity for development. 

Akanji stated this in an interview with newsmen on the commemoration of the 2021 International Day of Peace, observed every Sept. 21.

He stated that the theme of the celebration “Recovering Better for an  Equitable and Sustainable World” showed that the whole world was being devastated by the scourge of COVID-19 and the efforts at recovering were supposed to be a global effort. 

Akanji noted that the pandemic had disrupted livelihood and affected both the low and the high, the rich and the poor.

“And so, this year as we mark the mandatory ceasefire day as enunciated by the United Nations, it is important that we all play our role to ensure that peace reigns, so that development can follow.

“And the kind of peace we are talking about is peace in terms of equitable distribution of resources; so that the strong should also put effort to support the weak.

“This is so that all of us can grow together and make this world a liveable and a peaceful environment for everyone to be able to survive the time.

“It is in the atmosphere of peace that we can actually get full recovery from the pandemic, which is also affecting the globe along with attendant issues such as banditry,  violence extremism and all the negativity that we see,” Akanji said.

The don stated that the multi hydra challenges have given rise to multiple pandemic for the man on the street.

Akanji said this was a call for everyone to play its role in the community such that peace reigns and then development will follow for an equitable and sustainable world.