Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
The National Coordinator of African Peace Ambassadors Network (APAN) Inc., Rev. Chukwudi Eke, has enjoined all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious and ethnic differences, to maintain and sustain the peace that our founding fathers fought to realize before and after the independence of our dear nation.
He made the remarks during the peace rally, summit and press conference that APAN held in celebration of this year’s World Peace Day in Asaba.
Rev. Eke, who is the immediate past Commissioner representing Ndokwa people on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), recalled that in 2001, the United Nations’ General Assembly adopted a new resolution 55/282 declaring 21 September of each year as the international day of peace.
He explained that “the intention of the resolution is to have the entire world observe a day of peace and non-violence. It’s a day that armed violence is to be stilled; a day for combatants to cease fire, commit to non-violence and peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes. It is a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.”
The national Coordinator of APAN explained that “though this year’s global theme is ‘The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace,’ we are localizing the theme to be ‘Peace building begins with Me.’”
He, therefore, called on all aggrieved people and groups, including the Niger-Delta militants and pro-Biafra group, to seek dialogue and cease from violence and destruction of lives and properties. He stated that “though the groups are struggling for genuine causes, there’s need to pursue right causes through peaceful dialogue.
We, also, urge the government to positively consider the reasons for which our peace, unity and progress are threatened; and proactively do something more positive and inclusive to sustain the peace.”
Rev. Eke succinctly remarked that, “Together we can make our neighbourhoods and nation more peaceful. And the process of peacebuilding for sustainable development begins with each one of us. Yes, peace process begins with me and you as stakeholders.”
The organization, APAN, mobilized people and many NGOS from different walks of life to join them in celebrating this year’s World Peace Day, by rallying round the city of Asaba, trekking for peace; sensitizing the people, organizing lectures and symposium in schools, creating more awareness that will lead to more peace and unity in our families, communities and in the state and nation as a whole.
Some of the civil society organizations that collaborated with APAN included International Centre for Women Empowerment & Child Development (CWECD), Core Delta Youths (CDY) Initiative, Integrity for Leadership Inc., Foundation for Conservation of the Earth (FOCONE), Delta Patriots Inc., and Coalition of Ndokwa Peace Ambassadors (CONPA) among many others.
Copyright © Blank NEWS Online.
All rights reserved. Permission to reproduce, publish, broadcast, rewrite or redistribute in whole or in part is only granted subject to appropriate credit being given to Blank NEWS Online as the source.
***Read Blank NEWS Online for regular news updates…Also like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @blanknewsonlin1
Advertise in Blank NEWS Online.
Visit Us @:
www.blanknewsonline.wordpress.com
Email: blanknewsonline@ymail.com
Phone: +234 8037 644 337
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
E.I.C: Albert Eruorhe Ograka
