The Aviary Association Worldwide, Gateway Aviary, has called on governments, political leaders and citizens to invest more in peace, dialogue, justice and inclusive development, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election season.
The association made the call in a statement made to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Peace, observed on September 21, with the theme, “Invest in Peace — For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
Speaking on the occasion, the Regional President of the Aviary Association Worldwide, Avian Babatunde Elegbede, said peace should not be understood merely as the absence of war, but as the presence of justice, security, opportunity and human dignity.
Elegbede said peace should be reflected in everyday life, including children being able to attend school safely, families sleeping without fear of violence and communities resolving disagreements through dialogue rather than destruction.
He said societies invest in education, healthcare and infrastructure because such investments shape the future, arguing that peace should receive similar attention.
According to him, investing in peace requires empowering young people with education, skills, opportunities and hope, noting that people with meaningful prospects are less vulnerable to those who may seek to draw them into violence.
He also called for greater investment in dialogue, justice and institutions that treat people fairly, stressing that disagreements should not automatically lead to hatred or violence.
“Peace cannot be built only in government offices or international conferences. It begins in our homes, schools, workplaces, religious communities and neighbourhoods,” Elegbede said.
He urged citizens to make peace an everyday responsibility by choosing dialogue over insults, reconciliation over revenge, and dignity over discrimination and violence.
Elegbede also called on Nigerians to make peace a priority during the forthcoming elections, urging political actors and citizens to promote peaceful participation and reject actions capable of creating division or violence.
In a separate message, the State President of the Aviary Association Worldwide, Gateway Aviary, Avian Olusegun Oyebola, AICMC, said the International Day of Peace should serve as a reminder that peace requires continuous commitment rather than a once-a-year celebration.
Oyebola said investing in peace includes creating opportunities for young people, empowering women, reducing poverty and inequality, promoting education, creating decent employment and strengthening families.
He also identified good leadership, justice, responsible governance, community development and institutions that protect human rights and dignity as important areas requiring investment.
According to him, peace must be available to everyone regardless of religion, gender, age, social class or background.
“Peace should not be something we remember only on September 21st. It should become a daily commitment reflected in how we speak to one another, how we resolve disagreements and how we treat people who are different from us,” he said.
Oyebola urged citizens to contribute to peace through patience, empathy, forgiveness, respect, tolerance, kindness, responsible communication and constructive dialogue.
He further called on Nigerians to transform the country’s resilience in the face of challenges into lasting peace, stability, unity and sustainable development.
The State President urged members of the association and Nigerians generally to promote friendship, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and unity, stressing that peace must be supported not only with words but through practical actions.
The United Nations says the 2026 International Day of Peace highlights the role of “everyday architects of peace” and encourages people everywhere to take practical steps that strengthen peace in their communities.
