Dr. Ozioma Festus Ozoemena
International President UN PEPOLAC. By Don Peter Okoro. The International President of the United Nations Peace and Positive Living Awareness Centre, His Excellency, Bishop Dr. Ozioma Festus Ozoemena has explained the core mandate of the Organization.
Delivering his welcome address at the weekend in Awka during the Annual General Meeting and Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Peace and Leadership Centre Multi-Purpose Building Project, he stated that:”” Our aims and objectives include promoting peaceful and positive living attitudes among people of all Nations.
To be socially concerned about all that sustains development globally and in Nigeria through the promotion of volunteerism and the mobilisation of volunteers as United Nations Peace Advocates, so as to help our people acquire skills, knowledge and firm commitment, required to ensure peace, mutual cooperation and International solidarity.
To secure peace, promote human rights, establish mutual dialogue, seek cooperation and respect among all religions, cultures, areas, ethnic groups and nationalities.
To offer character education programs through education, recognition, award and investiture to Volunteers as Peace Advocates so as to encourage peaceful and positive living in line with 2030 Development Ideals.
To improve the General Health of the family including youth development, teaching of effective farming techniques, skills training and empowerment facilities with a view to eradicating poverty, misery, ignorance and want.
To educate on HIV/ AIDS prevention campaign and other social ailments. To promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through Education and Advocacy.
To promote UNESCO and other UN Organs/ Peace Agencies Resolution on Culture of Peace Projects and Positive Living.
To promote gender equality, protect the environment and preserve the planet, especially on inclusive justice and peace.
To collaborate with relevant Government and Non Governmental Agencies and Organizations in the promotion of peace and positive living.”” In her Key Note Address, the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Anambra State, Prof. Kate Omenugha spoke on the topic titled:”Cultivating A Culture Of Peace In A Crisis Ridden Society”. She spoke extensively on the need to maintain the peace in society, beginning from the family.
She narrated her own personal experience of when she got a full Scholarship to study for her Ph.D. in the United Kingdom, but her youngest child then was less than 2 years old. When she told her husband, the man did not say anything. She now told her husband that her marriage to him is more important than the Ph.D but that he should understand that this is a full Scholarship and that she is not requesting any money from him. She left the matter at that. After two days, her husband asked her when she is going for her Visa interview? The rest as they say is history. If not for her peaceful and diplomatic approach, it would have resulted to something else.
In his contribution His Royal Majesty Igwe Dr Bennett Izuchukwu Emeka Okebo 11 The Igwe of Umueri who took over the role of Chairman of the Occasion lauded the Convener for the giant strides he has taken so far. He called on all to embrace the culture of peace and justice as without justice and fairness there will be no peace. He pledged his strong commitment to the building project. In the same vein the Chairman of the Building Committee His Royal Majesty Igwe Dr Chukwuemeka Ilounu EzeDunu of Ifitedunu also spoke on the imperative of peaceful co-existence stating that peace is not the absence of war but a move by all to live in harmony. The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly was ably represented by the Deputy Majority Leader Dr. Jude Akpua who revealed that a Bill for a Peacebuilding and Conflict Management Agency that will have offices in all the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State has been passed waiting for the Governor’s assent.
This Bill will go a long way to curbing unrest and criminal activities in the State.The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka was also represented by the Director and Deputy Director of the Sustainable Development Centre of the University. From Benin City came a Delegation of the ROSULA Foundation.
The Clergy was well represented by the Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Anambra State Chapter Bishop Moses Ezedebego and Bishop Emmanuel C. Obiorah. The International Community was not left out. From Liberia came Bishop Okey Obi, Rev. Okechukwu and Hon. Bill Malema Wonta a Liberian all of who were investitured as Ambassadors for World Peace.
It was a very great outing and the mood showed that this is the beginning of a very great journey. The Convener used the opportunity to call on all and sundry to join hands and build the Peace and Leadership Multi-Purpose Centre for the benefit of all, not only in Nigeria, but the world at large.