PEACE IN ACTION!

Imagine taking an elevator ride (which takes only a couple of minutes) and you strike up a conversation with a stranger who suddenly ask you to define peace, how will you define it? Well, you might be interested in finding out how a group of youths in Akute community will be defining Peace today. Inspired by the renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE— Youths Advocate for Change and friends of Roots and Shoots USA, will celebrate the International Day of Peace today at Deluxe Pacesetter College, Ajuwon Akute (the border between Lagos and Ogun state). This event will feature Film show, Music, Discussion, Networking, Peace Declaration, and Fly Giant Dove!

The purpose of the day as stated in UN General Assembly resolution of 1981: “…is to devote a specific time to concentrate the efforts of the United Nations and its members States as well as of the whole mankind, to promoting the ideals of peace and giving positive evidence of their commitment to peace in all viable ways…The international day of Peace should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of Peace within and among all nations and people”.

A UN Messenger of Peace since 2002, Dr. Goodall encourage Roots & Shoots members and individuals to promote peace in their communities and around the globe. Roots & Shoots members and friends craft Giant Peace Dove Puppets from reused materials and fly the Doves in their communities to symbolize their commitment to peace. In past years, Giant Peace Dove Puppets have flown in almost 100 countries in city parks, backyards, convention centers and even refugee camps.

Held high by young hands, the Doves have spread their wings everywhere including the Coliseum in Rome, a monastery in Mongolia, the base of Mount Fuji, the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and this year at the plains of Akute! “With the Peace Doves, we remind everyone of the truth they sometimes forget, that peace is possible. We celebrate all that is free and noble…we celebrate all that so many people have done throughout the year, and will do next year to create a better world,” said Dr. Goodall.

Peace is what you and I can sustain. It is not just the absence of tension but also the presence of justice in all ramifications. With respect, dialogue and understanding, peace can reign in our homes, community and nation. The first step is to make a commitment to be at peace with yourself. We should all come together to renew our commitment to promote peace in our community as the first giant dove in Nigeria fly high held by hopeful hands.

For more information about the Roots & Shoot Day of Peace event visit http://www.rootsandshoots.org/campaigns/dove or contact Adeola Ogunlade, Youths Advocate for Change: 08083127847. Happy International Day of Peace- One Love, One Peace, One World!