The 2023 IDP – Actions for Peace in Nigeria -Africa
September 21, 2023
2023 UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION IN NIGERIA BY MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH INTERNATIONAL AT AGURA HOTEL CONFERENCE HALL, OPPOSITE DEFENSE (ARMY) HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY OF NIGERIA ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2023, WITH THE THEME “ACTIONS FOR PEACE: OUR AMBITION FOR THE GLOBAL GOALS”
The 2023 International Day of Peace in Nigeria was remarkable as it commomerate the 20th Anniversary of my volunteer in organizing the International Day of Peace also known as “World Peace Day” through May Peace Prevail on Earth International since 2003, to date.
The event has in attendance Religious leaders, Traditional leaders, Royal Father’s/ the Acadamia, Military Officers/Leaders of NGO, Legislators/Political class, Judicial/ Media organizations, Captain of industry, Justice of Peace, Ambassadors of Peace, and Peace Enthusiasts.
The ceremony began with the universal prayer for peace ” May Peace Prevail on Earth” following prayers for peace by the two major religious set present at the event the Christian payers led by Dr Imoh Atakpa while Alhaji Abubakar Bello led the Muslim prayer.
The Nigeria national anthem was sung, and a word of exhortation was delivered by Evang. Oladapo Obakemi. The UN Resolution on IDP was read to declare the ceremony open by Barrister Suleiman Alkali while Bishop Prof. Ahaziah Umanah read the UN Secretary General message Mr Antonio Guterres. Other message was read by the following: Mrs Patience Ita read the Executive Director of May Peace Prevail on Earth International Fumi Johns Stewart, also Mrs Atim Etim read the Vice President of May Peace Prevail on Earth International message Rika Saionji and Deborah Moldow former UN Representative, MPPOEI message was equally read by Mr Ini Jimmy.
IDP LECTURE SESSION:
Rev Dr Yakubu Pam the Executive Secretary NCPC delivered a lecture on the topic” PEACE AS A CATALYST FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”, the session was impactful.
In my address as the Nigeria Peace Representative, I buttress on forgiveness, equality, respect to all life on earth, showing kindness to the less privileged, protecting our environment, and that everyone must take action for a peaceful society.
The Co-Chair 2023 IDP in Nigeria Prof Auwal Ibrahim Magashi in his remark, stressed the need for love as a tool for action in the achievement of the global goals. Also, the Chairman of Function Rt.Hon Unyime Idem who was represented by Barr Ufok Ibekwe speak on youth inclusiveness and gender equality as actions plan to achieve the sustainable development.
PRAYER SESSION:
Prayers for peace in Nigeria, African continent and the world at large was offered by the religious leaders in attendance thereafter, I led the Peace Song titled “O GOD OF PEACE” and everyone sing May Peace Prevail on Earth in song.
PEACE POLE AWARD:
The following Thirty-Two (32) Peace Enthusiasts drawn across Nigeria receive Peace Poles, Peace Medal, Peace Buttons, Peace Stickers, and Certificates as Ambassadors of Peace as encouragement for their peaceful deposition in their community and to further the cause of Peace in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large.
1. Bishop Prof. Ahaziah Umanah
2. Rt Hon Unyime Idem
3. Prof. Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa
4. Prof. Bichi Armaya’u Hamisu
5. Dr. Samuel Bala Sanfo
6. Alhaji Yaro Garba
7. Rt.Hon Aniekan Akpan
8. Engr Gabriel Bankole Benson
9. Barr Ememobong Nicholas Udoh
10. Barr Abdul-Hamid Ali Ibrahim
11. Dr Ebenezer Udofia Nathaniel
12. Oluwaseun Folorunso Odidi
13. Rev.Fr. Charles Ekeng
14. Engr. Saunders David Ukot
15. Hon Sampson Bernard Idiong
16. Alhaji Usman Adamu Ahmed
17. Barr. Suleiman Alkali
18. Alhaji Idris D. Isah
19. Engr. Sabo Alhassan Kawu
20. His Royal Highness NTOL JULIUS IGBAJI MOBRE
21. Dr. Mrs Charlotte Bose Iro-Idoro
22. Alhaji Bello, Abubakar Muhammad
23. Dr. Imoh Enang Atakpa
24. Mrs Atim Etim Okon
25. Amb. Austin Peacemaker Inaede
26. Mrs Patience Okon Ita
27. Mr. Muhydeen Ayinla Ayoola
28. His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Askirama
29. Hon. Atauyo Abraham Akpaneyen
30. Evang Oladapo Moses Obakemi
31. Chief Saturday Monday Etokeyen
32. Chief Mbang Friday Mbang
Our IDP had a wide media coverage including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) International. Other regions in Nigeria request for a peace ceremony and Peace Pole planting in their region, we hope to do so when resources available. Also, to facilitate peace ceremonies in other regions of Nigeria with the population of over 200,000,000 we look forward to regional coordinators who will volunteer with the Nigeria Representative to further the cause of Peace in Nigeria.
Thank you, the Executive Director of May Peace Prevail on Earth International Fumi Johns Stewart, the Vice President MPPOEI Rika Saionji and all the MPPOEI team for your support and goodwill messages.
We are grateful to the UN Secretary General Mr Antonio Guterres, the UN Public Information Department, UN Peace Day, and IDP-NGO at the United Nations for your selfless services to humanity.
Thank you, the government of Nigeria, for the enabling environment to host the 2023 IDP at Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
Thank you the Nigeria 2023 IDP Steering Committee Chair, Mallam Yakubu Bello Tyav, and your team Mr Ini Jimmy, Joseph Boaz, Aniebiet Abraham, High Chief Kefas Mker, JP, Paul Sampson, Kendi Jumbo and Hon Ekaette Mojima. You all did excellently well.
God bless everyone who made this event successful.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
Mojima Etokudo, PAd
Nigeria Peace Representative
May Peace Prevail on Earth International
NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA:
Report by: Mojima Etokudo, Nigeria Peace Representative