Maduako Igbokwe l Monday, September 28, 2020
ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria- Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has advised Nigerians to adopt peaceful means of resolving conflict through dialogue and building solidarity across borders.
The Director-General of the institute, Dr Bakut Bakut gave the advice at a ceremony to mark the 2020 International Day of Peace on Monday in Awka.
The theme for this year celebration was “Shaping Peace Together.”
Bakut, who was represented by Mrs Grace Awodu, the Head, Gender Peace and Perspective of IPCR, explained that the day provided opportunities for adoption of peaceful resolution on all issues of conflict.
He noted that the maintenance of global peace and security had remained a monumental challenge which had also been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Bakut called for end to all forms of armed violence, armed banditry and criminality in the country.
“Adopt a culture of peace to every conflict through dialogue, and building solidarity and cooperation across borders, sectors and generations.
“We should promote and strengthen the ideals of peace, among countries and peoples of the world, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire where violent conflict or war exist,” he added.
In his remarks, Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra, represented by the Clerk of the state House of Assembly, Mr Pius Udoh described peace as “mechanism for peaceful resolution to conflicts.”
Obiano said his administration had placed a premium on security of lives and property, which resulted in an influx of investors, entrepreneurs and developers.
The governor, who pronounced the state as the most peaceful in the country, said his administration had attracted investment worth over 4 billion US dollars in various sectors.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr John Abang, represented by CSP Williams Odomo assured residents that the command will continue to partner various bodies to maintain peace and crime free society.
Mrs Amaka Uzodinma, the South-East Head, Peace building Office of IPCP, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the conference was the United Nation Peace Day maiden event in the geo-political zone.
Uzodinma, who delivered a paper titled “2020 Pandemic and the Dialectics of shaping peace Together in Nigeria” enjoined leaders to implement measures that would entrench peace in their communities.
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She called on the people to always tolerate and accommodate one another as well as avoid acts capable of breeding conflict.
Stakeholders from INEC, CAN, Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, traditional rulers and the Media, among others were also at the event to discuss measures to sustain peace The United Nations General Assembly declared September 21 each year as the International Day of Peace.
