INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE: IMO INDIGENES PREACH TOLERANCE & EQUITY

REPORTER: CHUKWUKA AGUKWE

Some indigenes of Imo State have called for advocacy in conflict resolution to enable peaceful coexistence among Nigerians

They made the call while speaking at this year’s International Day of Peace in Owerri.

International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 and was celebrated for the first time in 1982 to end violence among the people.

The Day is mapped out to recognize the efforts of those who worked hard to end conflict and promote peace.

It is also a global observance where nations around the world are invited to honour a cessation of fire and hostilities.

Speaking on the day, the Director General Bureau For Peace and Conflict Resolution, Imo State, Mr. Peter Ohagwa, said for a nation to achieve peace, people must tolerate one another.

Mr. Ohagwa explained that peace is a collective effort, which requires people to be their brother’s keeper and shun violence.

According to Mr. Ohagwa, the Bureau will continue to sensitise deviants in the society to the need to embrace government amnesty and surrender for peace to reign.

An advocate of peace and traditional ruler of Isiama Autonomous Community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Eze Oliver Ohanwe, described peace as life and fundamental aspect of living.

Eze Ohanwe said without peace, there would be no meaningful development in society, especially now that people are living in fear due to the insecurity.

The traditional ruler listed lack of equity and advocacy as the major problems facing the nation.

A youth from Orlu zone, Mr. Greg Nwadike, who spoke on engaging Orlu youths in a round table for them to express their feelings, said he was optimistic that the state government would listen and find a lasting solution to the conflict zone.

Mr. Nwadike noted that without proper engagement and awareness about government programmes and policies, it would be difficult to achieve peace.

The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Action for Peace and Ambition for the Global Goals.”

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU