Citizens harp on peace, as ICRPC holds conference in Owerri

By ikenna Orioha…

Concerned citizens of Nigeria, Director General, Bureau for Peace and Conflict Resolution/Commander, Imo Peace Corps, Amb. Peter Ohagwa, lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit, Nigerian Army University Biu, Bornu State, Emmanuel Achus Jah, PhD, lecturer in the Department of Christian Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, Kuduna State University, Kaduna, Solomon Ochepa Oduma – Aboh, PhD, traditional ruler of Umuokanne autonomous community, Ohaji, HRH, Eze Sir Dr. Matthew Nwokoma (Okaa-Omee iv of Umuokanne Ancient Kingdom), have harped on sustained peace in Imo State.

They said when there is love, peace, tolerance and forgiveness, the society will be good for all persons as social development and economic prosperity will be enshrined by political authorities or private entrepreneurs.

They made the call in their separate speeches during the Imo Peace-buiding and Conflict Resolution Conference, 2024, organized by Institute for Crises Resolution, Peace-building and Reconciliation (ICRPC) in conjunction with United For Peace, Imo State, held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, last week.

Speaking on “Conflict Transformation, Peace Building and National Development in Nigeria”, Emmanuel Achus PhD, advised political authorities to always hold periodic multi- stakeholders parley that encompasses all ethnic nationalities with a focus on national development, justice and equality.

While Solomon Ochepa Oduma-Aboh PhD, who dwelt on “The Power of Mediation in Conflict Resolution Process”, urged people to adopt tolerance, understanding, forgiveness as veritable tools to resolve their problems, even as parties involved in disputes come together to mutually agree on solutions, stating that “when it comes to resolving conflicts, mediation is a powerful tool that offers several benefits to all parties involved”.

Assuring that he would always work with relevant bodies to sustain peace in Umuokanne, Ohaji/Egbema and Imo State in general, the traditional ruler of Umuokanne autonomous community, HRH, Eze Sir Dr Matthew Nwokoma (Okaa-Omee iv of Umuokanne Ancient Kingdom), appealed to government to create admissible grounds that can encourage people especially youths and women on productivity, positing that when there is development, people engaged in meaningful activities, crime and insecurity will reduce minimally.

With the Chairman of the Conference, Amb. Peter Ohanwe, harping that peace is priceless, calling on all citizens of Imo State to work collectively with Governor Hope Uzodimma to move the state on. He eulogized the organizers of the conference and urged them to continue doing their best to build peace and conviviality in the state.

In his address earlier, the chief organizer of the Conference and State Coordinator of ICRPC and United for Peace, Imo State, Rev. Dr. Austin Uchegbu, said the group recognized the immerse commitment of the government of Governor Hope Uzodimma to the peace and security existing in the state, congratulating him for his victory at the poll and his inauguration, wishing him smooth transition so that Imo will be better.

Uchegbu congratulated those who were inducted into ICRPC, as well as given merit awards for their rich selfless contributions to peace building and sustenance in the country.