International Peace Day: IPCR Urges Nigerians To Embrace Values Of Unity
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, IPCR, has called on Nigerians to embrace the core values of unity by upholding the spirit of tolerance and accommodating divergent views.
The Director General of the Institute which is designated under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Dr Bakut Bakut, made the call in Awka, during a Peace Day Conference, organized by South East Zonal Peacebuilding Office in commemoration of the 2020 International Peace Day.
Blessing Uchendu reports that the United Nations General Assembly declared 21st September each year as International Day of Peace, set aside to promote and strengthen the ideals of peace among countries and peoples of the world by observing 24hours of non-violence and cease-fire where violence , conflict or war exist and to also campaign against violence globally among other peace promotion initiatives.
Dr Bakut represented by the Head, Gender, Peace and Security, Mrs Grace Awodu, said that peace remains the only index for sustainable growth and development in Nigeria, assuring that the Institute would continue to convene nationwide peace programs, calling on Nigerians to key into peace advocacy initiatives of the federal government.
Welcoming the IPCR team to Anambra State, the Governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano, represented by the Clerk of Anambra State House of Assembly, Honorable Pius Odoh, stated that the state government places immense value on building sustainable development which, according to him, is the reason for government’s focus on securing the lives and property of the residents of the state and called for increased awareness on the importance of peace in achieving sustainable growth especially in this period of COVID-19 pandemic.
In their paper presentations which focused on the topic “building and shaping peace together amidst COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria’s Southeast”, the South East Head, Peace Building, IPCR, Mrs Amaka Uzodinma and President Igbo Peace Studies Association, Professor Austin Onuorah, maintained that there was an urgent need for proactive steps in the pursuit of peace by all and sundry.
Earlier in their goodwill messages, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr John Abang, represented by CSP Williams Odum, the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka and his counterpart from Abia State, Igwe Eze Kalu, the Chairman, South East of Miyetti Allah, Alhaji Idris Sadiqi and the Anambra State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Dr John Ndubisi, called for the promotion of peace in all areas of the society and providing quality justice to all, as well as building accountability, equity and fairness in the affairs of the nation.
Pigeons were also released to symbolize peace.
The theme of this year’s International Peace Day is “Shaping Peace Together”.
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