…saying Peace Is Nigeria’s Path to Progress
Bilkisu Adejoh
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to peace-building across Nigeria, describing peace as the bedrock of development, democracy, and national stability.
Represented by Mr. Benjamin Penda at the National Peace and Unity Summit 2025 hosted by the Global Alliance for Peace and Unity (GAPU), the SGF declared that Nigeria’s progress is impossible without peace, particularly in regions battling communal violence and insecurity. “Peace is not just an option it is a necessity. Without it, we cannot talk about economic growth, education, investment, or any meaningful development,” Penda stated on behalf of the SGF.
The SGF’s office, he said, is actively facilitating multi-stakeholder conversations, including engagements between federal agencies, state governments, security forces, and traditional leaders particularly in volatile areas like Benue State.
He also issued a passionate plea to Nigerian youths: Resist being used as instruments of violence. Peace begins with you. The government can only do so much; the rest depends on our collective patriotism.
“Peace is not the responsibility of one, it is the duty of all. Together, we can heal Nigeria,” said the SGF.
The SGF reaffirmed federal support for all peacebuilding initiatives and praised GAPU for mobilizing leaders, youth, and civil society under a unified cause.
In a highlight moment of the summit, His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State, was conferred with the Peace Governor of the Year Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership in fostering peace, security, and socio-economic development.
Representing the Governor, Mr. Yakubu Lamai, Director General of Strategic Communication, said the honour was well-deserved and evident in Nasarawa State’s transformation into one of Nigeria’s leading investment destinations.
“Governor Sule has embraced peace advocacy not as a slogan, but as a practical and strategic pillar of his administration. Under his leadership, Nasarawa has experienced remarkable growth in peaceful coexistence, security, and investment,” Lamai said.
He added that peace is not the sole duty of government, but a civic responsibility shared by all, especially young people who must reject violence and embrace constructive dialogue as the path to change.
“Let us continue to champion peace, for it is the foundation upon which lasting prosperity is built,” Lamai urged.
In his address, Hon. Solomon Tabulo Pevkyaa, President General of GAPU, paid glowing tribute to both SGF George Akume and Governor Sule, describing them as models of peace-driven governance in Nigeria.
“Senator Akume is a pillar of democracy and unity. His nationalistic approach to governance is worthy of emulation,” Pevkyaa declared, as GAPU officially passed a Vote of Confidence on the SGF.
He also referenced President Tinubu’s recent praise of Governor Sule, who was described as “the President of the Nigeria called Nasarawa State where all Nigerians live together peacefully.”
“Governor Sule’s six years of peaceful leadership in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious state is no small feat,” Pevkyaa noted.
Chairperson of the Central Planning Committee, Maryam Aminu, described the summit as a movement to unite Nigerians beyond political and ethnic boundaries.
“Today, we stand together not as people of different tribes or faiths, but as Nigerians committed to building a peaceful and prosperous nation,” she said.
Aminu also highlighted GAPU’s ongoing commitment to post-summit actions, including youth engagement programs, interfaith peace dialogues, and nationwide outreach to marginalized communities.
She called on all Nigerians to rise beyond rhetoric and become ambassadors of peace in their own spheres.
The summit concluded with a fundraising campaign to support internally displaced persons (IDPs).
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