By Jimoh Babatunde

The founder of the Initiative for Peace, Forgiveness and Love for One Another (IPFLOA), Kingsley Atoe, has called on Nigerians to embrace love and peaceful coexistence, describing them as essential ingredients for national development.

Speaking with journalists in Benin-City, Atoe said that at a time when the country is grappling with insecurity, economic hardship and growing social divisions, promoting love and peace has become more important than ever.

“In a time when headlines are dominated by insecurity, inflation and division, the conversation we need to have most is also the simplest: love and peace,” he said.

According to him, fostering peace and love is not merely an emotional appeal but a strategic necessity for sustainable development.

“Without peace and trust, roads crumble, schools underperform and businesses close—not always because of a lack of funds, but because of a lack of trust,” he said.

Atoe, who is a member of the United Nations Peace Ambassadors Foundation, disclosed that IPFLOA has commenced a nationwide campaign to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage Nigerians to embrace one another irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

He noted that Nigeria’s diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups and two major religions, should be a source of strength rather than division.

“Our diversity is our strength, but only if we are bound by something stronger than our differences. Love is that binding force. It teaches empathy—the ability to see the humanity in the other. Peace is what happens when that empathy is practised,” he said.

He stressed the importance of instilling the values of tolerance and compassion in younger generations, warning that societies that normalise intolerance risk producing leaders who govern without empathy.

“The values we normalise today become the default for the next generation. If we normalise intolerance, we raise intolerant leaders. If we normalise compassion, we raise leaders who govern with conscience,” he added.

The peace advocate said the organisation has begun visiting schools, markets, places of worship and work places to promote tolerance and identify individuals who demonstrate honesty, compassion and exemplary conduct for recognition and reward.

He added that IPFLOA is also planning to organise a Peace March and a beauty pageant aimed at promoting peace across the country.

Atoe maintained that although love and peace may not directly put food on people’s tables, they create the enabling environment for economic activities to thrive.

“Love is what makes us care for one another. Peace is what allows us to build together. If we get that right, every other thing will follow,” he said.