By Mustafa Abubakar
The Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Ilorin, Prof. M.A.N. Adeboye, has called for a united national effort to end insecurity in Nigeria, describing peace as Nigeria’s greatest untapped resource and the key to unlocking her true destiny.
Prof. Adeoye made the call last Monday (November 3, 2025), while speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin in his office.
He said that progress in the country remains limited not because of lack of resources or talents, but due to persistent insecurity, mistrust and violence across several regions.
The Professor of Paediatrics urged citizens and leaders to imagine a Nigeria where no gunshots echo in the night, no families flee their homes, and no child learns the sound of gun before learning the alphabet.
He said, “Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of progress. A peaceful Nigeria would unleash its full potential, attract investment, create jobs, and give every citizen the dignity and opportunity they deserve.”
Prof. Adeboye pointed out that the resources currently devoted to military operations and emergency responses could be redirected to critical sectors if peace prevails.
According to him, the billions now spent on securing communities could build modern schools, equip hospitals, expand power infrastructure and support agriculture, technology and industrialisation.
“Every naira lost to conflict is a school not built, a clinic not equipped, a job not created, and a dream delayed,” he said.
Prof. Adeboye emphasised the economic promise within each state, pointing out that peace in Zamfara State could turn gold deposits into jobs and exports; peace in Benue could expand food production; and stability in Kano and Kaduna could revive the once-vibrant industrial corridors.
He noted that Plateau, Cross River and Taraba could reclaim their tourism potential, while Borno and Yobe could restore agriculture and rebuild resilient communities.
According to him, Rivers and Bayelsa States would benefit from responsible oil sector growth and diversification, while Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States could expand manufacturing and global competitiveness.
Prof. Adeboye added that peace is also essential for public health, arguing that hospitals would provide better services if they focused on preventive care rather than emergency trauma cases.
“When hospitals are treating malaria and maternity needs instead of gunshot wounds and trauma, life expectancy rises and communities thrive,” he stated.
He warned that persistent violence drains hope and creativity from the youth, “who should be building apps and farms, not burying friends.”
While calling for collective responsibility, the don urged political leaders, traditional institutions, religious bodies, youth organisations and citizens to embrace dialogue, fairness and justice as pathways to national unity.
He said peace building should not be left to government alone, stressing that Nigeria will rise from every community, every school, every place of worship, and every home.
“Nigeria will not rise from Aso Rock alone. She will rise from every home, every farm, every street corner, every mosque and every church, every school and every marketplace,” he said.
Prof. Adeboye urged Nigerians to choose cooperation over conflict and shared progress over suspicion. “Violence has never built a nation. Only peace can. Imagine a peaceful Nigeria, then rise to build it. For greatness is not a slogan; it is a duty,” Prof. Adeboye said.
