Gowon made the call while unveiling the redesigned oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913 on Saturday in Jos.

He said that Plateau people and Nigerians should explore all necessary measures in the pursuit of peace, while respecting the sanctity of life at all times.

The former head of state expressed sadness on the determination of a few criminal minded people and groups’ resolution to terrorise the country.

While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel for their gallant efforts in dealing with criminals across the country, he urged Nigerians to support security agencies through exposing their activities.

The elder statesman expressed delight in the progress of Golf in Plateau and Nigeria, commending Lalong for his efforts in developing the game in the state.

“I commend Lalong for his passion for the game and also redeveloping the Rayfield Golf Course which is now comparable to any standard course in Nigeria,” he said.

In his remarks, Lalong thanked Gowon for honouring the state to unveil the redesigned Rayfield Golf Course, saying its historic significance must be cherished and economic potential in sports harnessed.

Lalong said that his efforts to foster peace and expose criminal activities and crisis merchants had helped in building the confidence of people to visit the State.

Gowon and Lalong later performed symbolic shots to commemorate the event.

The former Head of State gave the charge at the 23rd anniversary and founder’s day celebration of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), with the theme: Rejigging the security architecture: imperatives for the second line of public safety; the Nigerian Peace Corps perspectives, at the Obasanjo Space Centre, Abuja on Saturday, July 10.

Represented at the event by a former military governor of Bauchi State, Major General Chris Garuba (rtd), Gowon said the problems in the country are also weighing the President down.

He said “There is no nation in Africa that does not have challenges. Be it economy or security. Countries have challenges and Nigeria is not an exception. But again, the challenges are not permanent challenges. After a period of time, it will come to pass as we will have our peace and stability back. We should not get discouraged. It’s like the COVID-19 period. It’s a phase; it will come and it will go.  If I am the President under the challenge of instability, economic and security problems, I will be sad. So don’t forget the President is a human being. The entire country is on his shoulders and it’s weighing him down. Instead of confronting him, we should be praying for him. He needs our prayers and that is what I will recommend. Let us pray for our country and the leadership so that they can overcome all these challenges of insecurity, poor economy, terrorism, insurgency and all whatnot.”