Acting Now for global peace: Oluyole Aviary Association Worldwide Celebrates 2025 World Peace Day in Ibadan

The Aviary Association Worldwide, Oluyole Chapter, joined millions across the globe on Monday to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Peace with a clarion call for immediate action toward building a just and peaceful world.

Recall that the Association, which has been at the forefront of advocacy for world peace, human rights, and good governance, commemorated previous editions of World Peace Day by visiting Agodi Nigeria Correctional Centre in Ibadan as well as donations of food items to vulnerable people and youths. 

Delivering his keynote address at the Ibadan North Local Government Hall, the Oluyole chapter President of the association, Hon. Olufemi Josiah, emphasized that peace must not be treated as an abstract ideal but as a deliberate choice that requires effort, sacrifice, and commitment. 

The event, themed “Acting Now for a Peaceful World”, reinforces this year’s United Nations theme: “Peace is not passive. It lives in our choices, our communities, and our care for one another and the Earth.”

Josiah, a former state lawmaker and Special Assistat on Community Relations to Governor Seyi Makinde, noted in his address that World Peace Day, established by the United Nations in 1981, is more than a symbolic observance.

In a world beset by wars, inequality, climate change, and forced displacement, Josiah explained that peace must be understood as more than the absence of war.

“Peace is the presence of justice, equality, empathy, and cooperation. It requires action, dialogue, and solidarity. Everyone has a role to play, from governments to communities, families, and individuals,” he stated.

The Aviary president added that lasting peace can only be built on understanding, tolerance, and compassion, while urging Nigerians to resist hatred, discrimination, and violence.

He also described the 2025 theme, “Acting Now for a Peaceful World”, as a wake-up call while noting that peace cannot be postponed for tomorrow or left to world leaders alone.

“Acting now,” Josiah explained, means: standing against hate, violence, and discrimination, promoting education and dialogue across cultures and communities, demanding justice and human rights for all people, and protecting the environment as a foundation for long-term peace.

Quoting from the book of Romans 12: 18 in the Bible, he noted: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

The guest speaker at the event, Pastor Tunji Agboola, Executive Director of Goodworker Ministry International, in his written address, reminded the gathering comprising of youths and civil servants, that peace starts with the individual heart before it can extend into families, communities, and nations.

“Peace is not simply the absence of conflict; it is a deliberate state of heart and mind. It begins with forgiveness where there has been hurt, patience where there is frustration, and humility where pride would rule,” Pastor Agboola said.

He added that homes, schools, and workplaces are training grounds for peace, stressing that every conversation and decision either builds harmony or deepens division.

He emphasized the interconnectedness of peace, justice, and care for the environment while quoting Isaiah 32:17: “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect will be quietness and confidence forever.”

He equally emphasized that injustice, corruption, and inequality weaken peace, echoing Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”

The conversation at the commemorative celebration also broadened to environmental stewardship with Pastor Agboola’s references to Genesis 2:15 and Pope Francis, participants agreed that environmental degradation and exploitation create injustice and fuel conflict. 

“To harm the Earth is to harm our neighbor. To care for creation is to act for peace,” the pastor stressed.

In his closing remarks, Josiah called on Nigerians to move beyond rhetoric and embrace personal responsibility for peace.

“When you forgive, peace begins. When you speak for justice, peace deepens. When you care for the Earth, peace lives. When you teach your children compassion, peace multiplies,” he said, citing James 3:18: “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

The celebration ended with a solemn charge for participants to embody peace daily in their relationships, workplaces, and communities.

“Let us be bold. Let us be active. Let us be peacemakers. Not someday—but today,” Josiah scelebratio

Participants at the event lauded the organizers calling it an eye-opener which has helped them with new perspectives to life and interpersonal relations with regards to sustainable peace in the society.