By Ali Elias
The Permanent Secretary of the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju, has urged Lagosians to take deliberate steps in building peace within their homes, communities, and workplaces, stressing that peace is not the responsibility of government alone but a shared duty of all citizens.
Speaking at a press briefing, at Ikeja, Lagos, to mark the 2025 International Day of Peace celebration, held at the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau Conference Room in Ikeja on Thursday, Olanrewaju said this year’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” was not just a reminder to reflect but a call to action for governments, institutions, and individuals to embrace dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution.
“Peace will not fall from the sky; it must be built, brick by brick, by each of us collectively,” she declared. “The greatest danger we face is believing peace is someone else’s responsibility.”
The International Day of Peace, observed globally on September 21, was set aside by the United Nations to strengthen ideals of peace within and among nations. Lagos, Olanrewaju said, must recognize its unique role as Nigeria’s economic hub and a melting pot of diverse cultures where peaceful coexistence is essential for progress.
She painted a vivid picture of daily challenges to peace in the state—from disputes over transport fares to misinformation spread on social media—and contrasted them with the small acts of kindness and tolerance that rebuild harmony every day.
“As Lagosians, our peace is tested daily—on our roads, in our neighborhoods, and even in our places of worship,” she noted. “But peace is rebuilt when neighbors of different ethnicities share meals, protect each other’s goods, or celebrate together despite religious differences.”
Olanrewaju further stressed that peace requires investment in justice, education, security, and community engagement. She called on government, civil society, the private sector, and religious institutions to align efforts in fostering tolerance and inclusivity.
Quoting peace advocate Colman McCarthy, she added: “Unless we teach children peace, someone else will teach them violence.”
The Permanent Secretary appealed to Lagos residents to move beyond annual conferences and workshops and instead embody peace in their daily lives. “Let us be remembered as the generation that chose courage over complacency, solidarity over silence, and peace over war,” she urged.
As part of the celebrations, the event also featured a Walk for Peace, which had in attendance the representative of the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Director of Commercial Law, Mrs. Kehinde Taiwo; the Permanent Secretary of CMB, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju; the Director of CMB, Mrs. Biola Oseni; former Director of CMB, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi; Directors of the Ministry of Justice; and staff of the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau. The walk underscored Lagos State’s dedication to fostering stronger and more peaceful communities.
The briefing ended with a renewed call for collaboration across all sectors—public and private—to nurture peace and justice in Lagos.