Participants at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) organised Nelson Mandela International Day on Tuesday urged Nigerians to imbibe the leadership values that the late Nelson Mandela exhibited during his life time.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day event which began on Monday had “International Terrorism and Maintenance of Global Peace’’ as the discussion topic on the final day.
Amb. Olusegun Olusanya, who chaired the discussion, said that corruption was one of the major elements that were affecting the growth of African countries.
“I’m delighted that we have young people here; these are leaders that will carry on some of these mantles Mandela’s stood for.
“Mandela remains a fighter for freedom and I think these are some of the values we need to remember and also show in terms of governance, democracy, peace and security.
“Human security is what makes the totality of an individual secure in his environment.
“Mandela hated corruption in his time and his dream was to guide the young to be able to fulfill his dream,’’ Olusanya said.
Contributing, Mr Ronald Kayanga, Director of UNIC, who delivered a message by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, said the focus of this year’s celebration was HIV/AIDS and Nelson Mandela Rules.
Kayanga, who gave a historical background to the event, said the focus, especially the Nelson Mandela Rules, symbolised the work and role of Nelson Mandela in world peace.
“The UN decided to name these rules the Nelson Mandela Rules last year.
“The UN is very much concerned about what is going on in the world today; you hear of what is going on in Syria, France, and Sudan and even in the U.S.
“So, we need leaders of the calibre of Nelson Mandela who will ensure dialogue and project peace in their countries.
“In the UN, it is only Nelson Mandela Day that is named after an individual; that shows you the importance of this man in promoting peace.
“He turned from being an individual in South Africa into an institution, an embodiment of something that we all see creating peace around the world,’’ he added.
Miss Joy Nwosu, a student of Leeds City University, Ibadan, in her remarks challenged the youth to ensure they were involved in promoting peace.
“UN plays a vital role like most security agencies, world organisations and the United Nations.
“I will not be totally wrong to say that peace threatening acts, crimes of any form and insurgencies cannot be totally eradicated in our society but can be curbed.
“We all know that we live in a society that peace sounds like a fantasy, like something unrealistic; it is expected of youths to exhibit attitudes that clearly advocate against violence.
“An average student is clearly believed to be social and energetic and have a level of intelligence in him or her.
“Information about insecurity can be disseminated either verbally or through social medium like so many of us are into now.
“Peace keeping missions should not be limited only to security agencies but also to the youths,’’ she said. (NAN)