Awka
Stakeholders from South-east geopolitical zone have advocated cultural rejuvenation and other measures in combating crimes and insecurity in the region.
The stakeholders drawn from five South eastern states, stated this at a 2- day Concord Initiative, South-east zonal technical workshop on sustainable peace, inclusive recovery and durable security held at Awka, Anambra state capital and organised by the office for Strategic Preparedness & Resilience (National Early Warning Centre of Nigeria), OSPRE and partners.
The stakeholders enjoined the governors and lawmakers from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states to make out policies and legislations geared towards reviving some of the dying Igbo cultural values, especially the apprenticeship model and skills acquisition, sacredness of marriages, community parenting, respect to elders and environments.
Speaking at the event, the traditional ruler of Okpuno, Awka South local government area, Igwe Sunday Okafor, argued that crimes would be reduced to barest minimum if not totally eradicated when the Igbo nation upholds their core values which discourages crimes but encourages industriousness and love for humanity.
Others, including the executive director, West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Dr Chukwuemeka Eze, the deputy national president, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Afam Okeke-Ogene and Mrs Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri of Spaces forChange.
They argued that dialogue, job creation and economic empowerment were necessary in driving development while addressing insecurity.
In a goodwill message, the chairman, Anambra State Truth, Justice and Peace Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, underscored the importance of peace in nation- building and development, while Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim added that the state government was not relenting in nipping insecurity in the bud.
