Former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana has lamented over what he described as “the inability of the nation’s leaders to think properly, and initiate programmes” for the good of the country.
This was just as he stressed the need for premium on justice which embodies peace which also translates to leadership with integrity.
Prof. Gana, who spoke on Monday, September 22, 2025 when he served as Chairman of the 25th Year Anniversary of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and the Commemoration of the 2025 International Peace Day in Abuja, on Monday, stressed that peace is equitable distribution and being fair in a nation.
The pioneer Director General of the National Orientation Agency, stressed that leadership was very key and important, thus should be enlightened and trained, adding that leadership should be compassionate, full of ideas since one idea can transform the whole country
Gana however said; “But our leaders are no longer thinking. No more initiative. No more programmes. Otherwise, a nation like the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a nation full of these kinds of resources in Nigeria, will be having the kind of realities we are facing now.
“I don’t love going to the market again in Nigeria. Because prices are changing almost every other day. And things are very, very difficult,” he noted.
Gana therefore advised leaders to be fair to all in order not to create disputes in the system that could affect peaceful living and emphasised the need to always remember that peace delayed is peace denied.
He further said; “Too often, we define peace as merely the silence of guns. But lasting peace is far more profound to my own understanding. In fact, at the heart of peace is justice, equity, and fairness.
“Wherever there is injustice, you wait. There will be conflict.
Therefore, leaders must avoid injustice. In any society where there is injustice, just wait for it. There will be violent, sometimes, reaction.
“So, we encourage leaders around the world to pursue justice, fairness, equity. Peace is also a promotion of human dignity. If you really see the sanctity of life and human dignity, you will not want to generate conflict,” he stressed.
Earlier, the Director General of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, it was a day to reflect on how far we have come in our collective pursuit of harmony and, more importantly, how much further we still have to go.
He further said that the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace “Act Now for a Peaceful World” as declared by the United Nations, called to action for people to stand for peace, to promote dialogue, and to foster reconciliation.
According to Ochogwu; “The world today is a complex tapestry of challenges, from geopolitical tensions to internal strife, from economic inequality to climate-induced conflict, from violent extremism to divisive narratives in social media. “In the face of these headwinds, the message of peace is not a quiet whisper; it is a powerful, urgent clarion call. It is a reminder that peace is not merely the absence of war but the presence of justice, equity, and dignity for all,” he said.
