Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) begins Peace Awareness Campaign nationwide from Nnewi ---as Obiano, Azubogu , Others speak

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has begun its nationwide tour of creating peace awareness among stakeholders starting with the South East zone of Nigeria.

    The Director General of the IPCR, Professor Oshita O. Oshita who disclosed this yesterday during the flag of the Peace Campaign in Nnewi, Anambra State said the event was in line with institute’s statutory functions.

  Prof Oshita in his address noted that it was against backdrop of continued inter-ethnic tensions, herders-farmers conflict, religious tensions and insurgences among other social vices that the IPCR was embarking on the nationwide tour to create the awareness for need for mutual, peaceful coexistence.

    Prof Oshita said further the choice of Anambra as start-off point in the South East Zone was hinged on the vibrancy of the state and its being the home of the first President of Nigeria, in the person of the late Owelle of Onitsha, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

He noted that peace is everybody's business and that there is urgent need for all and sundry to embrace peace which he noted is a necessary ingredient for growth and development.

Prof Oshita noted that minor issues and little things if not properly handled can result into crises and full time war.

The Dame Virgy Etiaba event plaza , Nnewi , venue of the peace talk was filled to capacity as traditional rulers, President Generals, stakeholders in security and youths from local government areas trooped out to participate in the ceremony.

Governor Willie Obiano, represented by Mmasinachi Umeh highlighted the importance of peace and dangers of conflict and urged Nigerians to resolve conflicting issues amicably. He restated his commitment to provide security in the state.

Member Representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Hon Chris Azubogu who thanked IPCR for agreeing to come to Nnewi to flag off the peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, warned against hate speech, rumors and false news as these can lead to bloody war among the people.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police Garba Umar, Represented by DSP Ugwu Anthony advised Nigerians to obey the laws of the country and to avoid any act capable of breaching the peace.

A lawyer, Chief Emeka Etiaba(SAN), the chairman of the occasion in his opening remarks said it is gratifying that a federal agency chose Nnewi for the flag off of peaceful coexistence rally among Nigerians.

The Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Nnewi Diocese, Rt Revd(Prof) Godwin Okpala represented by Ven. Arinze Anene stressed the need for all the churches to take the message of peace to their congregations.

The President General of Nnewi Town Union(Nzuko-Ora Nnewi) Chief Ugochukwu Udemezue in his speech on behalf of all the PGs warned against tribalism and nepotism in handling of issues in Nigeria and that items like religion and state of origin should be removed from forms to be signed while doing business with government.

Photo: Member representing Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, and Nnewi South in the House of Representatives, Hon Chris Azubogu and the Director General of  Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR),Prof Oshita Oshita during South East zone of Nigeria peace campaign flag off at Dame Etiaba center in Nnewi, Anambra State.