NCCE Yendi Municipal Director Calls for Peaceful Coexistence at 11th Linujil Yam Festival

The Yendi Municipal Director of NCCE, Mr. Kassim Osman has called on citizens to promote peace, tolerance, dialogue, and respect for one another as essential conditions for sustainable community development.

Mr. Osman made the call when he addressed participants at the 11th Linujil Yam Festival held at Bunbong in the Yendi Municipality, where the celebration focused on the importance of peaceful coexistence.

Speaking as a guest of the NCCE, Mr. Osman described festivals as more than occasions for cultural celebration, noting that they serve as “living bridges” connecting the past, present, and future while strengthening communal bonds and preserving cultural values.

He emphasised that peace and social cohesion form the foundation upon which development, prosperity, and community wellbeing are built.

Quoting an African proverb, he said: "When the roots of a tree begin to decay, the branches can not remain healthy.”He explained that the peace and unity of communities are like the roots of a tree, while development and prosperity are its branches.

Mr. Osman further urged citizens to manage disagreements through dialogue rather than confrontation.

> "Peace is the wisdom to disagree without becoming enemies; the maturity to forgive without forgetting the lessons of the past; and the courage to choose dialogue when confrontation appears easier,”he stated.

He also encouraged young people to use social media responsibly and avoid misinformation, hate speech, and content capable of creating tension within communities.

“Do not allow social media to become a matchbox in a dry forest. Think before you post, verify before you share, and speak in ways that build rather than destroy,” he cautioned.

The NCCE Municipal Director also called on traditional and community leaders to continue using their influence to promote reconciliation, tolerance, and peaceful settlement of disputes.

He reminded participants that the Constitution guarantees citizens' rights but also places responsibilities on them to respect the rights and freedoms of others.

Mr. Osman concluded by urging the people to regard peace as a collective responsibility, stressing that “peace is not a gift we inherit from our ancestors; it is a responsibility we must cultivate and bequeath to our children.”

The 11th Linujil Yam Festival attracted a number of dignitaries, including the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Adolf John Nburidiba; Member of Parliament for Yendi, Hon. Alhassan Abdul Fatawu Jofa; Member of Parliament for Mion, Hon. Mahama Adams Misbawu; and the Mion District Chief Executive, Hon. Azindow Hamza Moabalyn.

Also present were divisional chiefs, traditional leaders, the constituency chairmen, and secretaries of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Mion and Yendi constituencies, as well as other community leaders, guests, and residents.

The celebration provided an opportunity for the people to showcase their cultural heritage while strengthening relationships among traditional authorities, political actors, community stakeholders, and citizens.