By Sebastine Okafor

Enugu – Youths across the globe have been advised to inculcate the spirit of peacebuilding in all they do, as it is a sine qua non to a better society.

The Executive Director of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace, Rev. Sr. Dr. Agatha O. Chikelue, made this call on Friday during a one-day program on Peace and Conflict Resolution organized by the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP) in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and the Departments of Mass Communication, Sociology & Anthropology, and Psychology, ESUT, with the theme “Knowledge for Peace, Conflict Resolution, and Management Among Youths.”

She stated that conflict resolution is a factor that everyone should learn and imbibe to avoid problems that could escalate into mayhem in society.

The Director, who was represented by Mr. Johnpaul Enebe, called on all to learn the basics of religious tolerance, as it will help in building a society where peace and love dwell.

“When individuals take conscious steps to resolve disputes through dialogue, they foster an environment where mutual respect thrives. Conflict, if not addressed properly, can escalate into something destructive, but with understanding and commitment to peaceful resolution, society can experience true harmony.

“Peacebuilding is not just about resolving conflicts but about preventing them before they arise. When young people are equipped with the right knowledge and skills, they become agents of change, contributing positively to their communities.

The keynote speaker from the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr. James Chukwuemeka Mbah, emphasized the importance of youths, especially students, acquiring knowledge of peace, conflict resolution, and management.

He stated that Nigeria, with its vast ethnic groups and diverse religious beliefs, can achieve peaceful coexistence when people begin to love and understand one another, thereby fostering national development.

“The key to sustainable peace lies in recognizing our differences and embracing them as strengths rather than divisions. A society that values diversity and inclusivity will always find common ground for growth.”

“Many conflicts arise from misconceptions and intolerance. However, when people learn to appreciate each other’s perspectives, the chances of disputes turning into crises are significantly reduced.”

In her remarks, the Dean of Student Affairs, ESUT, Prof. Ifeoma Okwor, who was represented by the Associate Dean, Dr. Solomon Agụ, called for the absolute utilization of emotional intelligence in conflict management, as it can help circumvent crises that could lead to disaster.

Dr. Agụ also enjoined the leadership of the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace to decentralize their work to secondary schools, as this will help instill the message of peace early in students’ development.

“When young minds are trained to approach conflicts with emotional intelligence, they grow into adults who prioritize dialogue over violence. The earlier we introduce this mindset, the stronger our foundation for peace becomes.”

In their various remarks, the Heads of the Departments of Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, as well as Mass Communication—Dr. Ejike Mgbenkemdi, Dr. Uche Ogbuke, and Chidiebere Ezinwa—commended COFP for organizing such a wonderful program and called on all to embrace peace as a way of life.

According to them, “A peaceful society is built on conscious efforts by individuals to promote understanding and resolve differences amicably. Everyone has a role to play in fostering a culture of peace.”

“Programs like this help reshape mindsets and prepare young people to be mediators and peace advocates in their communities. With sustained efforts, we can build a society where dialogue is the first approach to resolving disputes.”