Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt Gen. TY Buratai (rtd), has called for collaborative efforts by Nigerians in fighting insecurity that has made itself a monster for the nation.
Buratai noted that there is nothing to be compared to peace, saying no meaningful development can be achieved in its absence.
He made this known while receiving an award as The Bearers of Security Torch during an event organised recently by the World Institute of Peace in Lagos State.
The former Chief of Army Staff said peace denotes the absence of violent conflict, noting that the reasons for the outbreak of conflicts range from territorial disputes and regional tensions, to corruption and dwindling resources due to climate change.
According to him, “Conflicts disrupt access to basic services like food and water, and force people into extreme poverty, with the poorest and the most vulnerable paying the highest price. In addition to taking lives and devastating infrastructure in the short term, conflict and its consequences are profound and enduring, reversing progress towards achieving the Global Goals.
“I believe that we can go a step further as a society. Our approach to handling these issues needs to be improved. All of us need to identify our parts in ensuring peace.
“Divisive elements have to be struck out; it is us against insecurity, therefore insecurity is the enemy. It is not a matter of Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba. It is not a matter of Christian or Muslim, it is Nigeria against insecurity. Therefore, we have to be tolerant and alert.
“Therefore, I dedicate my life to defend Nigeria, Africa and the world as I wholeheartedly accept this honour as a global touch bearer of peace and a runner of global peace”.
Speaking earlier, Ambassador (Dr) Lamina Omotoyosi, Executive Chairman, World Institute for Peace, stated that WIP deemed it fit to honour Lt Gen TY Buratai (rtd) based on his immense contributions to peace and security in Nigeria and beyond.
Also, His Royal Highness, Oba Adetokunboh Tejousho, Olu of Orile-Kemta, Buratai as a man of peace and a living legend.
Oba Tejuosho lamented that Nigerians hardly celebrate icons like him in this part of the world.
