The Executive chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Barr. George Ariolu has stated that achieving true peace in the society entails much more than laying down of arms.
He stated this recently during the celebration of this year’s International Day of Peace by the Nigeria Peace Corps.
According to the council chairman who was ably represented at the event by his deputy, Dame Hon. Chinyeru Agbaru, “peace requires the building of a society where all members feels that they can flourish freely.
It involves creating a world where people are treated equally regardless of their race” she said
She also quoted the United Nation’s Secretary General as saying that “racism in itself continues to poison institutions, social structures in every society, continuous to be a driver of persistent inequalities and will continue to deny people their fundamental human rights”.
Hon. Agbaru made it known that as a council its primary duties are the protection of lives and properties of citizens and residents of the area. She equally said the council is ready to partner with any agency that is bound by law to promote peace and unity of its environs including the Nigeria Peace Corps.
The Obio/Akpor Council Chairman used the opportunity to congratulate the Nigeria Peace Corps, Rivers State Chapter for her successful 2022 International Peace Day celebration and promised further to partner with the Agency to eliminate racism in the society.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Peace Corps, Patriot Michael Obiora informed the gathering that the body which was established in 1998 is fully registered with the Companies And Allied Matters Act as a para-military youth organization and committed national creativity, peace and youth development, Nongovernmental Organisation (NGO).
Dr. Obiora further informed that this year’s theme for the celebration is, “End Racism, Build Peace.”
He furthermore disclosed that peace requires the building of a sustainable society and creating a world in which people are treated equally regardless of their race and ethnic groups.
The Commandant stated that his organization stands firmly in support of national peace, unity, harmony and understanding of the nation as well as accelerating the dynamics of alternative dispute resolution through basic training and orientation on conflict, peace, education, mediation, facilitation and advocacy for the youths in general and students in particular as well as to empower them for peace sake.
