As Nigerians join the rest of the world to celebrate this year Christmas, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has enjoined citizens to strive for peace and unity.

The Institute urged citizens to note that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and should emulate his teachings anchored on peaceful co-existence.

The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his Christmas and New Year message to Nigerians, charged them to be ambassador of peace anywhere they find themselves, adding that peaceful coexistence enhances development.

The DG urged Nigerians to keep the flag of unity high, noting that unity and peace are the hallmarks of a progressive nation. He advised travellers to be cautious of the time we are in and take the message of peace home.

He said that peace, unity and security have the potential to break the vicious circle of underdevelopment and therefore appealed to Nigerians to use this yuletide period to pray for the peace, unity and progress of the nation.

He reminded fellow citizens that nation-building is the responsibility of all and therefore, every Nigerian should rise up to the occasion to build the Nigeria of our dream.

He said: “As an Institute, we are aware of the enormous challenges bedevilling our country, nevertheless, we should keep hope alive and continue to have faith that a new Nigeria will rise from the ashes of these challenges.

“Let our thoughts and actions be peaceful, tolerant, and receptive towards one another as this is the only organic means to change the dangerous narrative that has eaten deep into our social fabrics and national cohesion.”

He also urged Nigerians to have a sober reflection, and connect their hearts to God in the spirit of the season for the restoration of our dear country.

The Director-General observed that if over 200 million Nigerians will stand for peace henceforth, then the implication is that a circle of peace would encircle the nation and fill up not only the violent spaces but also, reposition the country on the path of peace and progress.

He implored Nigerians to continue supporting the effort of President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, by providing the right and timely information to the relevant agencies of government in order to mitigate violence.

He wished all Christians Happy Christmas Celebration and appealed for more interfaith connections and sharing of love during and after the yuletide.