ASEC Vice Chancellor Urges Nigerians to Embrace Peace and Unity

Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, Vice Chancellor of the African School of Economics (ASEC), has called on Nigerians to prioritize love and unity over ethnic, religious, and political differences. He made this statement during the university’s commemoration of the UN International Day of Peace, themed "Cultivating a Culture of Peace: Build Bridges, Break Barriers."

Prof. Adedimeji emphasized the importance of promoting mutual understanding, respect, and non-violent conflict resolution. Quoting UNESCO, he defined a culture of peace as "a set of values, attitudes, and behaviors that foster harmony." He highlighted values such as love, patience, forgiveness, empathy, cooperation, justice, and respect as essential for fostering peace in Nigeria.

Addressing the global rise in violent conflicts, Adedimeji, a Fellow of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, noted that the solution lies in uniting people, fostering dialogue, and embracing diversity. He also stressed the importance of adopting a positive mental attitude and self-reflection, urging Nigerians to replace blame with personal responsibility to find solutions.

The three-day event, which included a seminar, public lecture, and peace walk, aimed to inspire Nigerians to work hard, stay positive, and embrace good values. Prof. Adedimeji concluded by encouraging all to look beyond challenges, noting that opportunities exist even in difficult times.