Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has attributed Nigeria’s conflicts, insecurity, and other challenges to corruption, injustice, and a lack of love.
Speaking in Lagos at an event organized by the Apostles of Peace Society International (AOPI), Ogunsola delivered a lecture titled “Christians and the Struggle for Peace and Justice in Nigeria.”
During the event, which also featured peace awards, former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, Group Chief Executive Officer of Blue Star Group Obi Okafor, and CEO of Aero Contractors Ltd Captain Ado Sanusi were honored for their contributions to peace-making and national development.
Ogunsola highlighted that Nigeria is among the countries with the highest rates of conflict, attributing this to factors such as greed, individualism, intolerance, envy, selfishness, and inequality.
She emphasized that these issues are exacerbated by corruption, favoritism, and nepotism.
She called on the religious community to foster peace and harmony, stressing that national development cannot occur without peace.
Ogunsola defined peace not just as the absence of crisis but as a commitment to justice.
“Justice addresses the root cause and creates a foundation for enduring peace. It allows for legitimacy and trust—a just society engenders trust and cooperation among its members.
Justice is a moral imperative, and if not present, peace may be seen as a façade and hence not sustainable,” Ogunsola stated.
AOPI National President Paul Duro Ajisafe, in his welcome address, explained that the awards were in recognition of the honorees’ efforts in peace-making and their unwavering commitment to the country’s development.
He emphasized that the lecture and investiture, themed “Peace in Nigeria,” aimed to renew individuals’ commitment to peace and chart a future course for the nation.
Leave a Reply