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.

September 21, 2023

In commemoration of the 2023 International World Peace Day, the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC in Nigeria sues for a peaceful and inclusive education system as an affirmative action for sustainable peace in society.

Speaking on Thursday 21 September during a courtesy visit call to the Governor of Abia State, H.E. Dr. Alex Otti ably represented by his Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba at Government House Umuahia, the National Coordinator for the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Nigeria, Engr. Elijah Vitus Echendu said through education we can empower our youth to become change agents, fostering a world free from violence, injustice, and inequality.

He noted that humans under the theme for the 2023 Peace Day on “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals” are united, encapsulating the urgent need for concerted efforts and collective action to foster peace, not only within the realm of education but also in our communities as a whole.

“The education sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers of our society. It equips our young minds with the necessary tools to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the world. However, the smooth functioning of academic activities is often hindered by various challenges we face as a society”, he hinted.

While attributing those challenges to the menace of cultism, he noted that cultism does not only pose a direct threat to the safety and well-being of students but also perpetuates a culture of violence and fear, adding that education should be a sanctuary where every child can flourish and grow without fear of harm or coercion.

Furthermore, we must recognize and address various other factors that hinder academic progress, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, child labor, and social biases.

On this International Day of Peace, let us reaffirm our commitment to the #GlobalGoals and take actions that promote peace within the education sector. Together, we can advocate for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of students, eradicate cultism, eliminate child labor, and address other barriers to academic progress. Let us stand in solidarity with the students of Abia State and across the nation, affirming their right to a peaceful and inclusive education system.

Reported
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head, Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post Int’l Peace Day: IHRC Meets Abia State Govt, Sues for Peaceful, Inclusive Education System first appeared on ihrc.news.