Following clashes between some herdsmen and farmers in parts of Nasarawa State, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has appealed to communities in the State, to seek ways of living in peace in order for development to reach them.
The Director General of the Agency, Dr. Garba Abari made the call at the palace of the Emir of Nasarawa Town, Alhaji Hassan Adamu when it took its programme on building a people of peace to the area.
Represented by the State Director in Nasarawa State, Mrs. Pricilla Gondaulor, the Director General said leaders in every community have a responsibility to nurture peace and promote cordial relations among its people.
He explained that research has established that there exist a strong connection between peace, order and rate of development in any community. “That is why I plead with you to seek peace, preach peace and nurture it. Government can only site projects where there is peace”, He said.
He observed that both farmers and the herdsmen are in pursuit of daily livelihood, which requires cooperation, friendship and unity.
Earlier the Director of Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilization at the Headquarters of the Agency, Mrs. Ruth Ogun said the programme to build peace in our country is beginning to bear fruits, citing the Anambra election of November 8, 2017, where the voters came out in defiance of threats of violence to cast their votes.
She admonished Nigerians to practice the teachings of their faith, especially as the major religions of our country promote peaceful coexistence.
Those who attended the interactive session include officials of the local government council, religious leaders and youth from the area.