We have our own challenges, we have our own issues, the traditional approach of lionism must change, presenting humanitarian support, that is reactive, that need to change, we are neglecting aspect of intervention in govt, we known when a government is going to be bad, we can intervene
Emmanuel Thomas l Saturday, March 21, 2020
LAGOS, Nigeria – A former Director General at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution(IPCR), Professor Oshita Osang Oshita has called on Lions worldwide to act proactively when they see warning signs by speaking the truth to the government before things get out of hand.
Dr. Oshita Osang Oshita, a professor of Peace and Development Studies, Department of Philosophy, University of Calabar was addressing the 8th point in the Lions Code of Ethics, which urged members to “be careful with… criticism and be liberal with praise” at an occasion to mark the 42nd year of partnership with the UN put together by Lions Club International, Multiple District 404, Nigeria at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.
According to the professor, things will go wrong if Lions fail to engage governments in constructive criticism. For him, most of the conflicts that end up with humanitarian crises could have been prevented if people muster up the courage to speak the truth to government.
“Look for a way to become more proactive, there are many warning signs when things are about to happen.. if there is no constructive criticism, they(government) will not see the road”, he said.
Professor Oshita called on Lions to go beyond just providing social support, otherwise they will be the ones to soothe the pains when things go wrong. “Lion should influence politics, our future is in danger unless we intervene in things”, he warned.
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Professor Oshita who was addressing the theme, “Peace and International Understanding”, said Lions in Africa do not need to operate like their counterparts in Europe, but to represent issues in Africa.
“We should strengthen African voices”, he said. He said neither Nigeria nor South Africa has been able to position itself for a Permanent seat at the UN but that it is something Nigeria can work to attain. His advice is for Lions to carry out advocacy so as to strengthen African voice in the UN.
” I am not an advocate for Lions to fight for issues in Europe”, he said, noting that the reality is that the world is a global village hence COVID-19 is everywhere so we are condemned to cooperate with one another… We have our own challenges, we have our own issues, the traditional approach of lionism must change, presenting humanitarian support, that is reactive, that need to change, we are neglecting aspect of intervention in govt, we known when a government is going to be bad, we can intervene”, he said, and called on Lions to be proactive instead of being reactive.
The Professor of Peace and Development studies said you cannot give what you do not have. “If you are not peaceful, you cannot give others peace”. He averred that understanding is effective communication and that in the next 75, years African voices must be heard loud and clear in the UN.
He noted that Lions can raise their voice since Non Governmental Organisations, NGOs have been given recognition by governments who have acknowledged the fact that they cannot do everything. “They depend on NGO, so Lions can do that because you have a history of service to humanity and working with the UN”, he assured.
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“My appeal, let us not make ourselves invisible in the family of Lions worldwide, if you don’t put African issues out there, they will think you are just following them. Lions Nigeria can bring in African nuance, such as the UN that Africa needs not the UN the world wants”, he said, stressing that the UN requires support of groups like Lion club, noting that while he is happy for the Lion/UN partnership, it will however be of no benefit unless you ask.
In his opening address, the Chairman of the day, Chief Olubunmi Olaopa, who is immediate Chairman, West African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association(WAPMAN) described Lions Club as an international humanitarian organisation that was established in 1917 and that the club has been supporting society in the area of healthcare by donating free eye glaxes, and in recently times cancer and diabetics.
Taking a look at the theme of the celebration ‘Peace and International Understanding”, Chief Olubunmi Olaopa said there is bound to be conflict where people live and work as a result of divergent views of what is right and proper.
“It is therefore not unusual to see the president pull out of international protocol entered by predecessors. According to him, International understanding is necessary to ensure world peace, to prevent world wars, promote human welfare, mutual understanding and interdependence and to maintain ones sovereignty.
He described health as a potential contributor to international peace and understanding. “War affects health through direct violence of military arms and through the structural violence that leads to major interruptions of the socio-economic system people use to address their health needs”,he said, adding that the disruptions are compounded by natural disasters and manifold vulnerabilities which force countries to divert economic resources from health services.
He described what the world is witnessing as an emergence and growth of health diplomacy, which can potentially become a robust medium for strengthening that nexus between health and peace. He said that Lions is not a cult but a humanitarian organisation that responds to the needs of mankind.
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In his goodwill message, Council Chairperson, Multiple District 404 Nigeria, PGD Abiodun Adediji appealed to Nigerians and the world in general to embrace peace and show understanding in conformity with the theme for the year.
The guest speaker, Pascal Dike spoke on the importance of peace for progress and development in any society. In his message to the occasion, Past International Director, Lion HOB Lawal described war as the result of lack of understanding of the society and the much needed peace.
“Unfortunately, the developed countries of the world are active and passive collaborators in all these negative happenings as they have been employing divide and rule tactics providing materials and financial support to the various groups of the developing countries to disorganised the society and pave the way for their continued political and economic dominance”.
He said that it has been postulated that 15 percent of today’s total military spending of USD 1 trillion a year by developing and industrialised countries could provide the much needed USD50 billion a year needed to overcome the worst aspects of absolute poverty on the planet and create an environment of enduring peace.
He warned those fanning the embers of war to note that at the end of every war, the two sides must sit together at a round table conference to understand themselves for the emergence of peace. Also present at the event is Professor Abiola Olufumilayo Adewole, a Professor of Paediatric Endocrinology at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH and other distinguished personalities.
