By Adekunle Jomoh, Ilorin, Kolade Adeyemi, Jos, Oyebola Owolabi, Adeola Ogunlade and Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

From Pope Francis yesterday came a warning to the world to ensure peace in 2022, even as he described violence against women as an insult to God.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan told President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders to work towards building inclusive, just and peaceful societies in the new year.

State governors also joined in preaching peace in their goodwill messages to Nigerians.

Celebrating a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on the day the Roman Catholic Church marks both the solemnity of Holy Mary and its annual World Day of Peace, the Pope urged the world to “roll up our sleeves” for peace.

“Let’s go home thinking peace, peace, peace. We need peace,” he said.

He added: “I was looking at the images in the television programme ‘In His Image’ today, about war, displaced people, the miseries. This is happening today in the world. We want peace.”

Peace, according to him, requires “concrete actions,” including attention to the most fragile, forgiving others and promoting justice.

Continuing, he said: “And it needs a positive outlook as well. One that always sees in the Church as well as in society; not the evil that divides us, but the good that unites us!

“Getting depressed or complaining is useless. We need to roll up our sleeves to build peace.”

We need to end endless agitations, says Jonathan

Immediate past  President Goodluck Jonathan, in his new year message, urged President Buhari and other African leaders to continue to work towards building inclusive, just and peaceful societies in 2022, which, according to him, presents new opportunities to “build our nation for ourselves, our children and grandchildren.”

“Across the world, there is a global demand for justice, peace, hope, security and sustainable development,” Jonathan said.

“The attainment of these global and national aspirations should occupy the hearts and minds of citizens and leaders in our nations in this New Year 2022 if we are to rebuild a better world for the upcoming generations.

“Building an inclusive, just and peaceful society is a task that we must prioritise in 2022, as we cannot afford the luxury of a nation with endless agitations.

“2022 presents to us new opportunities to build our nation for ourselves, our children and grandchildren.

“Let us therefore live in love and unity, pursue peace and justice in all spheres and in all our engagements. God bless Nigeria, God bless Africa and the rest of the world.”

Shun divisiveness, consolidate on gains, Sanwo-Olu urges Lagosians

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State urged genuine love by all Lagosians by consolidating on the gains made by individuals and the State in 2021, especially the fight against COVID-19.

He was optimistic that “we will triumph over it and the Year 2022 will usher in a fresh lease of life for the world.”

He also acknowledged the perseverance of Lagosians in the face of the current socio-economic challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, saying: “In the true spirit of Lagos, we will remain resolute with a renewed vigour to face the new year, more determined to succeed together as a people.”

Zulum: There’ll be new lease of life for rural dwellers

In a similar message, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State said his administration would continue to open up rural communities by working on selected roads and making lives better in the local government areas.

“I am convinced that better life in rural communities will translate to improvement in security and well-being of our people. What is good for the state capital is good for the remotest community of Borno,” the governor said.

The governor said his administration’s determination to “work tirelessly for the people of Borno State” stemmed from the fact that the state “suffered the most from insurgency with so much carnage and damage to lives and livelihoods.”

He added: “Our peculiar situation in Borno State basically means that if we are not focused, we would have a significant gulf in development to catch up with.”

I’m hopeful over Nigeria’s unity, progress, says Lalong

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State asked Nigerians to look forward to a great year in 2022 with optimism and hope as they prepare to make personal sacrifices and unite in supporting government address the critical issues militating against the peace, unity and progress of the nation.

He said with the determination and collaboration of the people, insecurity and unemployment, which are major factors that threaten the future of the nation, would  be overcome.

His words:  “Nigeria is tremendously blessed and endowed with not only natural resources but good people who want to live in peace and pursue legitimate endeavours in peace, unity and tranquility.

“That is why we must all work together in the new year to confront those who want to take away the collective destiny of Nigerians through terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.

“We must deny them such opportunity and also ensure that we put them to shame. We should do so believing that evil cannot triumph over good.”

Abdulrazaq assures Kwarans of continued focus on poverty eradication

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State advised residents of the state to “watch over one another and work for a greater Kwara and Nigeria, irrespective of our differences” in the new year.

He assured Kwarans of his administration’s continuous focus on projects and programmes aimed at boosting inclusive growth, reduce poverty and create a better environment for sustainable job opportunities in the state.

He urged them to continue to “relate with one another as one people bound by a common destiny under God.”