Stakeholders from Southeast geopolitical zone, Sunday, advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts at homes, communities and national levels with a view to achieving progress and sustainable development across all sectors.
According to them, peace was needed to address the problems of insecurity, injustice, insurgence, kidnapping, among other crisis bedeveiling the country and other parts of Africa.
They spoke at the 2024 annual peace advocate meeting held in Awka, Anambra state capital by the Peace and Positive Living Awareness Centre (PEPOLAC), a non-governmental organisation promoting the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals.
The Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COO), Professor Kate Omenugha, who delivered a lecture at the occasion, urged the public to inculcate habits of forgiving offences, eschew pride, neglect and ethnocentric behaviours towards other people for whatever reasons.
On his part, the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, represented by Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Dr Jude Akpua admonished families to be peacemakers by living peacefully with their neighbours and striving to resolve their differences amicably.
Contributing, the Traditional Ruler of Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area (LGA), Igwe Bennett Emeka and his counterpart from Ifitedunu, Dunukofia LGA, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, argued that no amount of development could be achieved at homes, States or country where there is absence of peace.
Other speakers, including recipients of the United Nations ambassador award for peace (UN-POLAC) at the programme, Comrade Innocent Mba, from Enugu State, Dr Okey Obi from Nnewi, and a Liberian, Bill Malema Wonta, vowed to continue being advocates of peace for a better society.
Earlier, the Convener, PEPOLAC, Bishop Dr Ozioma Ozoemena, said the group exist to promote peaceful coexistence and attitudinal change among the populace, in order to entrench inclusive justice, development and sustainable living.
