Abia Cleric Urges Music's Role in National Peace and Crime Reduction

As the world observed World Music Day on June 21, Reverend Blessed Amalambu, the General Overseer of Christ Generation Ministry Incorporated in Umuahia, Abia State, has called upon governments globally to intentionally employ music as an auxiliary means for fostering peace, moral uprightness, and preventing criminal acts. He stressed that while music cannot supplant security agencies, it possesses immense capacity to transform mindsets, deter unlawful behavior, and enhance national unity. Rev. Amalambu conveyed this appeal during a Monday discussion with our correspondent, noting that although challenges like insecurity, abductions, terrorism, and violent offenses demand effective security operations, intelligence gathering, and a robust justice system, music uniquely impacts hearts beyond the reach of physical force.

“Security may restrict the hand, but music resonates with the heart; songs ignite hope, alter perspectives, promote forgiveness, solidify community bonds, and guide individuals away from violent tendencies,” he stated. The spiritual leader further characterized music as a global medium, capable of overcoming ethnic, religious, and cultural divides to cultivate mutual understanding, solidarity, and harmonious living.

Rev. Amalambu lauded iconic Nigerian musicians such as the late Sunny Okosun, whose nationalistic anthem, ‘Which Way Nigeria,’ spurred citizens and leaders towards greater accountability, fairness, and national progress. He equally acknowledged the contributions of the late Fela Kuti and Bongos Ikwue for their use of music to advance social awareness and public dialogue. He implored contemporary artists to create compositions that champion integrity, diligence, optimism, justice, and tranquility, rather than celebrating aggression, criminality, and moral decay.

The cleric called upon governments, security organizations, musical artists, media outlets, and cultural bodies to forge partnerships aimed at integrating music into ongoing public awareness initiatives to combat insecurity, abductions, cultism, substance abuse, and violent extremism. He affirmed that true and enduring peace is attainable only when robust law enforcement efforts are supported by justice, access to quality education, viable economic prospects, strong moral principles, and the profound power of music to mold spirits, reconstruct societies, and motivate countries towards harmonious coexistence.