One of the paramilitary agencies in Nigeria under the aegis of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Rivers State Command, Monday, September 21, 2020 celebrated this year’s International Day of Peace in a grand style as it campaigned for peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.
The agency in partnership with other organizations including the Rotary Club, Mgbuoba District 1914; Eco-Network; Relief International Africa,; National Youth Compact; Wave FM 91.7 radio and Rotaract Club, Rukpokwu.
This year’s celebration whose them is “shaping peace together” was observed all over the countries of the world in recognition of the importance of peace in their development.
The Peace Corps of Nigeria, Rivers State Command as part of its campaign strategies had a 50km road walk from Rukpokwu Police checkpoint through the expressway to its office at the Eliozu Community Office in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area even under the early morning rains.
Speaking with newsmen at the end of their gyration, the Rivers State Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr. Michael Obiora said the day is ear-marked annually to celebrate peace because of the importance attached to it and also explains the logo of the Corps which is “let’s give peace a chance.”
He explained that this year’s celebration is special because apart from the normal challenges of war, conflict and violence, the world is faced with the coronavirus pandemic as a common enemy.
“The more we preach peace in the society, the more people are convinced of its importance, believing in it and perhaps join in the campaign with time.”
The Corps commandant stated further that some of the ways his agency go about achieving its set goal is through the social media and the to schools where their target he noted, is catch them young at the grassroots.
Dr. Obioha used the opportunity to express their gratitude to their partners for collaborations with the agency in this year’s celebration.
Some of the partners who spoke to this medium in their separate interviews including president of the Rotary Club of Mgbuoba, Moses Egoiwa, President Rotaract Club of Rukpokwu, Miss Lydia Jaja and the Country Director for Eco-Network in Nigeria, Amb. Smith Nwokocha expressed satisfaction for partnering with the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) in its efforts to achieve peace in the country.
They emphasized that peace is not the absence of war but a continuous effort in conflict prevention, protection and resolution.
They disclosed further that their collaboration includes the Faith Base Organizations and the security operatives to achieve set goals of ensuring love and harmony in the society, adding that peace is the major determinant of development.
The LG Commanders of the Peace Corps of Nigeria who mobilized for the road walk includes Jacob Onu-Ogie Odian, Degema LGA; Nsirim Prosper Uche, Phalga; Deborah Dii Clever, Tai LGA; Nwuzi Silverline, Etche LGA; Innocent Nwokangba, Omuma LGA and Dabor Patience, Eleme LGA. Others were Wordu Nkechi Beauty, Ikwerre LGA; Romeo Ibeleye, Akuku-Toru LGA; Ewoh Okwukwe, Ahoada East LGA; Pst Reuben A. Jephat, Andoni LGA; Ekwe Justice, Obio/Akpor LGA and Eseh Lebari Eric, Gokana LGA.
They were all happy to be part of the restoration of peace in Nigeria.
They however were unanimous in urging President Mohammadu Buhari to speedily sign into law the Peace Corps Bill waiting for his attention so that the Nigerian Youths will be gainfully engaged.
They also appealed to the political leaders in the country to concentrate on crime prevention as peace is the panacea for development.
