Celebrities unite for peace

More than 30 Nigerian celebrities from Nollywood, sports and the entertainment industry will soon undertake a nationwide tour to preach peace and unity across the country.

They said this would be part of their collective effort at spreading the message of peace in the minds of Nigerians, especially the youths on the need to leave in peace.

The group, operating under the aegis of Voice of Change Foundation of Nigeria (VCFN), an NGO, the celebrities comprise people like Emeka Ike, Genevieve Nnaji, Coach Stephen Keshi, Celestine Babayaro and Omotola Ekehinde.

A statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by the group National Public Relations Officer, Mr Steph Nora-Okere, said that this became necessary due to the present challenges and threats to peaceful coexistence.

The statement said that the programme, which will commence before the end of the year, would cover six geopolitical zones, preaching the message of peace.

"We decided to come together to preach the gospel of peace as it has become more necessary now than ever before.

"Every great country has passed through its moment of political, economic and religious tensions and had survived.

"The troubles our Nigeria is going through now with ethnic violence, militancy, the unrest in the North and the threat of disintegration, requires that things be quickly put in their right perspective.

"As celebrities and stakeholders, we have a lot to contribute to the peace building effort of government at all levels.

"This movement is not aligned to any party or individuals but we are committed to bringing our talents and leverage to help the country through this difficult moment."