Convinced that the critical roles of individuals and various stakeholders should be constantly reiterated in peace sustenance, the National Orientation Agency in conjunction with Hon Yinka Ahmed Aluko has on Thursday organised a sensitization session for community leaders and youth.
The programme, themed “Building a People of Peace” with special focus on the role of leaders in the community and youths was held at the Kwara State Banquet hall Media.
In his opening remarks, the Agency’s Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu represented by the State Director, Mr. Olusegun Adeyemi disclosed that the programme is a continuation of the Agency’s nationwide campaign against the various ethno/communal conflicts manifesting in hate speeches, separatist agitation, farmers/herdmen conflicts, political/religious violence which are being fuelled by some persons and groups in some part of the country.
The NOA helmsman noted that without peace, there can be no progress, and we all have a collective task of building our nation to become a pride of other nations.
Onilu, who advocated dialogue as a means of conflict resolution urged youth not to agree to be used as tools for crisis.
While giving his remarks, Hon Yinka Aluko, representing Ilorin South and East Federal Constituency at the 10th National Assembly explained that the programme became imperative in order to remind residents and people of Kwara about the importance of peace.
He said ” peace is a sine quanon without which there can be no developmentsin our communities, therefore irrespective of our religious or tribal differences, we must live in harmony”.
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Noah Yusuf, Vice Chancellor, Alhikmah University highlighted the issues which cause disharmony and conflicts.
Represented by Dr Alao Adekola, ( Director, Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Alhikmah University noted that the absence of peace means presence of war, and if there is war, nothing will work in a society. He implored the citizenry to embrace peace, since it is crucial to our existence.
The Chairman, National League of Veteran Journalist (NALVEJ) Alh Tunde Akanbi spoke on the role of the media in building a people of peace, during which he encouraged Journalists to be more creative in telling stories, be mindful of their choice of words and not to report sensitive issues in a manner that can cause violence or separation in the country.
The Balogun Gambari represented by Alangua Ibagun, Alh Saka Iyanda admonished participants at the forum to always act as peace ambassadors in the interest of our society.
There were goodwill mesages from the Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs at the event attended by a host of dignitaries, traditional leaders, Community Association, NGOs, FBOs and media practitioners.
Highpoint of the event was an educative playlet presentation by Kwara State Council for Arts and Culture.