By Praise Chinecherem
United Nations ECOSOC Peace and Positive Living Awareness Centre (UN-PEPOLAC) has commended Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo for his commitment to the peace of the state.
International Co-ordinator and Convener, Amb Dr Ozioma Ozoemena made the commendation at the inauguration and orientation of the newly appointed state executives (Peace officers), of UN-PEPOLAC, Anambra State Directorate, and appointment of some eminent Nigerians as Peace Ambassadors.
He called on people everywhere to demonstrate commitment to global peace and that of their immediate environment as peace was increasingly eluding the world.
Themed “Community Peace, Panacea for Societal Development”, Ozioma said, "Nobody knew that the state was that bad until the recent launching of Udo ga achi security outfit, through her agunechemba warriors with the collaborative efforts of other security agencies, including the police.
"They have been able to uncover the dens of kidnappers, ritual killers, and perpetrators of other crimes and atrocities being done against the land and the people of Anambra State, which is against the culture and values of our people.
“We appreciate the Governor again for signing into law the Anambra State Peace Building, and Conflict Management Agency Law 2024. This legal instrument has already motivated us to do more in the areas of peace advocacy, peace building programs, and activities, conflict management, and prevention. I therefore request this momentum to be sustained by all.
“We should all clap for Mr. Governor for his milestone achievements in security, and other sectors like roads, construction, education, health, youth development, infrastructural development across the state, and others."
According to the Convener, the engagement would be replicated in all the 21 local government areas of the state to ensure that message of peace permeates everywhere.
"We have planned to replicate today's event in all the local government areas of the state, which is the reason for inviting the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Towns Union Matters to chair today's occasion with our invitations to the 21 local government mayors as partners in peace building and conflict management enterprise to the grassroots.
“Peace remains the medicine for societal development and we are strongly committed to the course of transforming our communities into peaceful and livable places. We should not expect the government to do everything and be everywhere.
"We are here to complement the efforts of the state government. We are to support the State to become a pathfinder in peace building and conflict management," he added.
Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, represented by traditional ruler of Ifitedunu, Igwe Emeka Ilouno restated the commitment of the royal fathers to peace and their readiness to work with UN-PEPOLAC to achieve lasting peace in Anambra State to accelerate the attainment of the vision of the present administration in the state.
The newly-appointed Director, (UN-PEPOLAC), Anambra State Directorate, Ambassador Anthony Uzor, on behalf of his executive, vowed their resolve to pay the price for the peace of their immediate families, communities, local governments and state at large.
In their goodwill messages, State Commandant Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Maku Olatunde, represented on the occasion and the Assistant State Commandant, National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Chris Adabo, pledged sustained support for the peace of Anambra state by discharging their duties with utmost sense of patriotism and responsibility.
The newly appointed peace ambassadors include custodians of culture, captains of industry, prominent business tycoons and academic giants, financial, who in their separate speeches harped the need for peace to pave the way for sustainable societal development.
They equally pledged to continue to contribute to the peace and development of their communities, local governments and the state.