By Ibrahim Hassan,Kaduna

The Country Director, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), Rev John Joseph Hayab, has called on Nigerians to emphasize their collective responsibility to foster a culture of peace for the development of the country.

The Country Director enjoined Nigerians to delve into the transformative power embedded in the philosophy of peace as the world commemorates the 2023 International Day of Nonviolence in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, the architect of nonviolence.

According to him, “nonviolence is not a passive stance; it is an active force capable of healing wounds, mending divides, and constructing societies rooted in genuine cohesion. Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless directive, you must be the change you want to see in the world.”

He observed that their collective vision in Global Peace Foundation is One Family Under God, stressing that it is a call to unity, transcending boundaries of religion, ethnicity, and nationality—a recognition of the shared humanity, bound together by common principles and values that form the foundation for lasting peace.

“In the spirit of nonviolence, the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria has been actively intervening in regions that have experienced conflict, aiming to promote peace and social cohesion. Our efforts extend to diverse groups in Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, Rivers states, and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja,” he added.

He explained that the benefits of nonviolence are profound and far-reaching that is not merely about conflict resolution but about building a sustainable foundation for enduring peace, saying that Nonviolence fosters understanding and reconciliation among diverse groups.

“It is a powerful force that, when embraced, creates a ripple effect, positively influencing individuals, communities, and entire nations,” he said

Hayab therfore called on Nigerians to carry with them the spirit of nonviolence, committing themselves to actively contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world—one where the vision of One Family Under God becomes a lived reality.