UPF-Nigeria organized commemorations of the International Day of Peace in the states of Plateau, Taraba, and Abuja in the latter part of September seeking to defuse the violence that has plagued areas of the nation.

As usual, the United Nations International Day of Peace is marked by UPF, the Youth Federation for World Peace, and their affiliate organizations with lots of activities worldwide. Preparing for this year’s celebration, UPF/YFWP Nigeria mapped out programs to partner with governments, non-governmental organizations, corporate bodies and individuals in various states.

Jos, Plateau State - Plateau state has become a beehive of religious crises in recent times with lots of bomb blasts, religious mass killings, and mayhem. The theme for this year’s celebration, "Make Your Voice Heard," inspired Ambassadors for Peace in this state to kick-start a peace process in plateau state. The working committee set up several weeks ago sought collaboration from government, religious institutions, private individuals, and other civil society organizations.

On September 21, the program started on a very sober note with representatives of the Christian and Islamic faiths called upon to offer opening prayers. Bishop Mrs. Iwuk Asuamah prayed with tears rolling down her face; this was followed by Alhaji (Dr.) Yusuf Sarami, a millionaire bankrupted as a result of the Jos riots, also offered a sincere, tearful prayer. Several topics on security and personal safety were presented by the National Organization for Police/Community Relations Committee represented by Mr. Kingsley Okoruwa their national Public Relations Officer, and the National Unity and Peace Corps of Nigeria represented by Engr. E. G. Danboyi.

Two videos were shown, the UPF documentary and its partnership with the African Union to celebrate Africa Day. Eras Darlington Eguaoje, Youth Federation for World Peace President, gave a run-down about Rev. Sun Myung Moon's efforts for lasting peace in the world and the numerous organizations he founded in preparation for the UPF. In enumerating on the various projects we emphasized the need to promote family values. We invited and encouraged participants to share in the interreligious, inter-tribal, and international Marriage Blessing that is coming up in December in Nigeria.

The highpoint of the event was time of confession and forgiveness. The Youth Federation President called out 10 volunteer youths from both Christian and Islamic faiths to join him and also called out six volunteers Christian and Islamic leaders. The youths pledged to play a unifying role from now on, repented on behalf of all youths in Nigeria and Jos Plateau in particular for participating in religious killings and mayhems. Lead by the youth president, we then knelt down asking forgiveness both from the Muslims and Christians. UPF Secretary General Olaleye Alao and his wife came forward to join the religious leaders together in a repentance and forgiveness ceremony. Everyone in the audience, numbering over 200, embraced one another and pledged to continues to forgive each other and work together for peace.

Engr. Kalil, a Lebanese who has become a nationalized Nigerian citizen, described the Christian/Muslim war in Lebanon in which neither side won a victory and left Lebanon indebted to the World Bank to the tune of several billion dollars. He asked Nigerians not to wait to be attacked externally before we finding their center of harmony as one people.

Alhaji Yusuf Sarami, who had earlier prayed with tears, told the audience that what he witnessed today had greatly moved him and that although he had entertained lots of resentment until then, “today I am greatly moved to forgive my enemies who rendered me bankrupt and penniless though I did nothing wrong to them.”

Several traditional rulers who attended the forum have invited UPF and the Youth Federation for World Peace to their various kingdoms to promote similar healing and reconciliation. About 16 media organizations were represented and carried the news nationwide.

In attendance were many traditional rulers, members of the Christians Associations of Nigeria, and NGO leaders. We had announced that this is the started of a three-month peace process that we hope will eventually bring about lasting peace in Plateau State.

Jalingo, Taraba State - Earlier, in the spirit of the International Day of Peace, we went to Jalingo in Taraba State to set up a working committee to review solutions to the crisis in the state.

Lagos State - Our final celebration was in Lagos state, where we visited a hospital where UN Peacekeepers receive medical treatments. We raised donations to buy gift items and food to present to the sick people on September 30. We organized a dinner, dramatic presentations, dances, and ward presentations in the evening all supported by distinguished Ambassadors for Peace.