The Rivers State Government has marked this year 2015 International Day of Peace with the Universal Peace Federation, Nigeria.
The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo said this year’s International Day of Peace will have greater focus on women since they are the most casualty during crisis.
Dr. Banigo Harry made the remark at the one day celebration of the 2015 International Day of Peace at the Police Officers Mess, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.
She stated that the role of women in peace building and gender dimension to peace and security especially in the area of affirmative action noting that without sustainable peace there can be no development. The Deputy Governor was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Justina Jumbo.
In his opening speech, the chairman of the occasion, Dr. Reason Oyah said the process of peace started in 1864 and later at the Geneva convention in 1945 to maintain world peace.
He explained that biblically Jesus Christ is the epitome of peace where humanity should emulate.
The chairman stated that crisis and tension entered the world through the coming of Lucifer. Dr. Reason said peace should start from or environment while commending the environmentalist Late Ken Saro-wiwa for his love for the environment.
Earlier, the Rivers State coordinator of UPF-Nigeria, Amb. Prince Tonye Jeminimiema stated that the United Nation in 1981 set aside September 21st as international Day for peace for mankind to breath the air of peace.
He explained that this year theme centred on PDP, “partnership for peace, dignity for currently going on in Rivers State is due to the peaceful atmosphere, while commending the governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike for his role in peace building, urging all to embrace peace at all time.
Dr. Ibot George presented the message by the secretary general of the United Nation, Dr. Barr. Kim-Mon while Dr. Amb Raphael Ogar Oko, secretary general UPF read on behalf of Dr. Thomas Walsh International president, saying the universal peace federation will support president Buhari to fight against corruption.
In an interview with journalists shortly after the event, Issaic Afolaya and Hon. Eleogu Lucky who is also Abia South representative on SURE-P said for peace to be sustained and maintained as youth need education and empowerment to keep society at peace and all need to be inclusive, saying peace is a collective effort from the church and at home.
Highlight of the event include peace award to Bonny LGA as the most peaceful LGA in Rivers State while Cross Rivers State won the most peaceful state South as award was given to deserving peace ambassador across South-South. ###
Pius Dukor
