A United Nations-affiliated group, International Association of World Peace Advocates, has explained why it conferred the Int’l Peace Medal Award 2021 on the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V.
The president of the body, Amb Per Stafsen, a Dane, said the choice of the Monarch was due to Obong’s approach, antecedent and dispositions to the issue of peace, not only in the Calabar kingdom, but in the country at large.
Speaking while decorating the Obong in his palace in Calabar, Stafsen said the honour was based on “highly much regarded peaceful contribution of the Obong of Calabar in Cross River state and Nigeria.”
He said, “This honour is indeed coming at the right time when peace seems to be eluding some parts of the country Nigeria. With this ceremony, the hope for restoration of peace remains certain.
“Our association is aware of the role the Obong of Calabar is playing to promote and support peace, using his traditional stool as a means of achieving justice to further his ambition for the unity and oneness of Cross River State people.”
He described the Obong as a man of peace, justice and truth as well as “an image of world peace and a mirror of hope for global harmony.”
Responding, the Obong said he had scrutinised the group to be sure of its authenticity before accepting to be so honoured, adding that the seed which had been planted through his investiture and decoration as Peace Advocate would germinate and spread far.
“I will work together with you to preach peace and unity in our country and the world at large but we must strive to exhibit and show the peace in us for others to emulate. Nothing works in an atmosphere of war, confusion and animosity.
“Let me also charged all men to put hands on deck to enthrone peace. We should stop blaming government for the violence in our society. We all have different roles to play in bringing up our children well to help our society achieve the level of peace we all crave for,” he said.
