Kaduna State University joined the global community on September 24 to commemorate the International Day of Peace, bringing together scholars, security agencies, civil society organizations, and students under the theme “Act Now For A Peaceful World”. The event emphasized urgent collective action to foster peace in homes, communities, and society at large.
In her welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Dr. Deborah Bijimi highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting peace, inclusivity, and mutual respect through academics, research, and community outreach. She encouraged participants to reflect on their roles as peacebuilders and announced an upcoming conference by the Centre for Gender Studies, urging Civil Society Organisations to take part.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Strategy, Innovation and Service Delivery), Professor Helen Afang Andow, commended the organizers, particularly the Centre for Gender Studies and student groups, for their tireless efforts. She reaffirmed the gathering’s commitment to women’s rights, peace, and equality, stressing the need for kindness, dialogue, empathy, and love as pillars of lasting peace.
Representing the Kaduna Multidoor Courthouse, The Deputy Director, Her Lordship Saudatu Hamma, called for urgent action in building peaceful societies, emphasising that peace must be rooted in justice, fairness, and inclusion. She underscored the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a vital tool for reconciliation and pledged continued partnership with Kaduna State University and peace stakeholders.
Several other goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from the Nigerian Police Force, Kaduna State Vigilante Service, Women Mediators, Global Rights Christian Association of Nigeria and the Girls Brigade.
In her keynote lecture on barriers to women’s participation in peacebuilding, the Administrator of the Kafanchan Campus of KASU, Prof. Hauwa Evelyn Yusuf, a peace ambassador and gender advocate identified Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as the greatest obstacle silencing women’s voices. She explained that excluding women from decision-making weakens peace processes, as women are critical actors in enforcing peace at home and in communities. She called for stronger laws, safe spaces, support for survivors, and women’s inclusion at all levels of leadership to ensure inclusive peacebuilding.
Several papers delivered at the event include:
· The Role of Media in Fostering Peace – Dr Ayodele Joseph
· Peace As A Tool for Sustainable Development – Dr. Deborah Bijimi
· Youth Peace and Religion – Her Lordship Saudatu Hamma
Closing the event, the field Officer, Global Rights, Mrs. Bilkisu Yusuf, thanked participants for their patience and commitment, acknowledging volunteers, students, and the media team for their contributions. She announced upcoming certified training programs for counselors and research officers at the university, assuring stakeholders of continued collaboration to strengthen peace efforts.
The event ended with a renewed call for collective responsibility in fostering peace, echoing the global theme that the time to act for peace is now.