September 24, 2023

NGA: The Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission SMM-IHRC in Imo State, joined the rest of the World to mark the 2023 annual International Day of Peace celebration held on 21st September, 2023, at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Imo State Command Headquarters.

As an annual commemoration of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the 2023 theme “Action for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals” focuses on the individual and collective efforts and responsibilities of all to foster peace in our societies regardless of our cultural diversities, economic status, and political affiliations.

While speaking, the SMM–IHRC Official in Imo State, Comrade Ezeani Chiemezie called on all to have a personal reflection on their contribution to promoting peace, reminding everyone that inasmuch peace is the livewire of every society, its other side is conflict. Therefore he implored all stakeholders in the State to put up a conscious effort towards a peaceful society.

This year’s International Day of Peace was well attended by the representatives of the Governor of Imo State Hon. Amb. Peter Ohagwa, Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Zonal Commander NSCDC Zone ‘E’, ACG, Aliyu Musa Ndanusa, other sisters security agencies such as the Nigeria Police, Immigration, Nigeria Correctional Services, Federal Road Safety Corps, Fire Service, Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta and other Peace Stakeholders in Imo State.

In a remark by the NSCDC Zone E Zonal Commander, ACG. Aliyu Musa Ndanusa emphasized the need for peace in families, Communities, and society at large, noting that the nation needs peace mostly during this period for any meaningful progress.

This year’s lecture/paper presentation was done by the Director-General Bureau for Peace and Conflict Resolution Imo State cum Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Peace and conflict resolution, Hon. Amb. Peter Ohagwa on the topic “Peace as a Panacea for Socio-economic Development in our Society.

He stated that no economy will thrive in the absence of peace, stressing that peace is essential for any meaningful development in every society, while taking into cognizance the effect of lockdown in the South East geopolitical Zone popularly known as “sit at home” and its negative effect on the socio-economic development of the region, he reminded everyone that peace is everybody’s business.

In the same light, the IHRC Nigeria Head of Diplomatic Mission H.E. Amb. Dr. Duru C. Hezekiah, and the National Volunteers Coordinator, Engr. Elijah Vitus Echendu is calling on all Peace Actors –the Government, Civil Society Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, Private Sectors, Students at all levels, and all Nigerians to support, promote and uphold peace and human rights, and understand that their role to this effect in the society cannot be overemphasized.

Comrade Ezeani reminded the participants that while we are all abreast with the current economic and security reality, we should know that our behavior towards one another is the gateway to a lasting peace which provides us with an atmosphere that supports the actualization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and urging all participants to see it as a duty to put smiles on the faces of others in the discharge of our duties. Because what we do today, we do for generations; born and unborn.

There were goodwill messages from other sister security agencies and peace stakeholders present at the event, promising to work in synergy with one another in peace building and taking action for a peaceful and secure society stating that the security agencies are not in conflict with one another.

They also emphasized the need to inculcate the norms of peace in our lives respect the rights of each other and equally call for cordial relationships between security agencies with civil societies in sharing information, ideas, and capacities.

The Head of Unit PCR Imo State Command, CSC, Nwokorie O.T gave the vote of thanks, charging everyone to continue in spreading the gospel of peace, and equally take actions for a better global goal. She appreciated the representative of the government, the Zonal Commander, other security agencies, peace stakeholders, Partners for peace organizations, and officers who graced this year’s celebration above all, she praised the State Commandant for his unalloyed support in making this year’s celebration a unique one.

Reported
Comrade Ezeani Chiemezie
IHRC SMM Imo State

Editorial
Fidelis Onakpoma
Editor-in-Chief for the International Human Rights Commission

The post Action for Peace: NSCDC, Police, IHRC, Others, Commemorates Int’l Peace Day in Imo State first appeared on ihrc.news.