Peace has been described as paramount if there must be development and progress in any society.
This was the stand of participants at a Peace Day Conference, organized by South East Zonal Peacebuilding Office in commemoration of the 2020 International Peace Day which held in Awka, Anambra State Capital.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 21st September each year as International Day of Peace, to promote and strengthen the ideals of peace among countries and peoples of the world by observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire where violence, conflict or war exists, and to also campaign against violence globally among other peace promotion initiatives.
In his speech during the event, the Director General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, IPCR, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Dr Bakut Bakut, represented by the Head, Gender, Peace and Security, Mrs Grace Awodu, described peace as the only index for sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.
Mr Bakut said the institute expects Nigerians to embrace the core values of unity by upholding the spirit of tolerance and accommodating divergent views.
He assured 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, Governor Willie Obiano, represented by the Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Honorable Pius Odoh, said the state government places immense value on building sustainable development which, according to him, is why government places high premium on security of lives and property of the citizens.
Governor Obiano called for increased sensitization 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 the Southeast”, the South East Head, Peace Building, IPCR, Mrs Amaka Uzodinma and President Igbo Peace Studies Association, Professor Austin Onuorah, maintained that there was 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 Nigeria.
They also stressed the need for quality justice for all, as well as ensuring accountability, equity and fairness in the affairs of the nation.
The theme for this year’s International Peace Day is “Shaping Peace Together”, while highlights of the event include dances, drama and release of pigeons to signify peace.
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