Group confers peace awards on Akande, others

.UNILAG VC tasks churches on peace-making

The Apostles of Peace Society International (AOPI), yesterday, conferred peace awards on former Governor of Osun State, Bisi Akande; Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Blue Star Group, Obi Okafor and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Aero Contractors Ltd, Captain Ado Sanusi.

The three eminent Nigerians were recognised during the AOPI yearly peace award and investiture held in Lagos for their contributions to peace-making and unwavering commitments to the development of the country over the years.

In his welcome address, AOPI National President, Paul Duro Ajisafe, extolled the achievements and courage of the peace award recipients, stating that their efforts stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of peace and the unyielding belief in a better tomorrow.

He said that the essence of the lecture and the investiture, with the theme, “Peace in Nigeria,” was to renew individuals’ commitment to peace and chart a course for the future.

In her lecture, entitled “Christian and the struggle for Peace and Justice in Nigeria,” the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, urged religious community to embrace peace and harmony, emphasising that there can’t be improvement and development in the country if everyone is not at peace.

She said that peace is not only described as the absence of crisis but also a dedication and commitment to justice.

“Justice therefore addresses the root cause and creates a foundation for enduring peace. It allows for legitimacy and trust – A just society engenders trust and cooperation among its members. Justice is a moral imperative and if not present, peace may be seen as a façade and hence not sustainable,” she said.

Ogunsola noted that true and lasting peace requires justice, adding that people become resentful when they are being denied access to justice and fairness.

She said that injustice pervades due to lack of punishment for wrongdoing and the absence of fair treatment of individuals.

The VC, therefore, encouraged Christians to promote interfaith dialogue, especially in troubled areas, to reduce religious tensions, build mutual respect and foster understanding and cooperation between different religious communities.