Let’s stop policies, politics of self, group tells Nigerians

The United Nations Positive Livelihoods Award Centre (UN-POLAC), Nigeria, has urged an end to policies and politics of selfishness and sectionalism to enhance peace in the country.

International Director and Country President of UN-POLAC Foundation, Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, who stated this at this year’s International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, said the group is committed to tackling the myriad of challenges confronting the country, especially insecurity and insurgency.

The occasion also witnessed the appointment and presentation of certificates to UN-POLAC International Peace Advocates and awards in Lagos.

In her keynote address, titled: “Discover Better: I Contribute, You Contribute, We Contribute,” Adesanya-Davies said the group is committed to restoring peace through advocacy.

She noted that the foundation’s mandate was to enhance the effectiveness of the UN Millennium Development Goals and UNESCO Culture of Peace Programme, particularly maintenance of peace and security and restoration of human dignity.

“We must pray and pay urgent attention to the situation of peace in Nigeria, Africa and even the world. This is imperative now in Nigeria, Africa and the entire world, by the government, families, schools and public places. We should in this day of multilateralism stop policies and politics of self, selfishness and sectionalism,” she said.

Also, Director-General, UN-POLAC, Nigeria, Prof. Obong Eton, urged all advocates to advance peace against all odds.

He also urged them to make the foundation more effective and efficient.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Anthony Okoh, who called for self-discipline, enjoined Nigerians to spread peace by helping the poor.

Similarly, Director, Projects and Women Affairs, UN-POLAC Foundation, Dr. Cynthia Obiorah, said sustainable peace would only be possible if there is equal participation of all citizens.

One of the awardees, Ade Ajayi, said with credible elections, education, genuine dialogues and collaboration of all, peace could return to the country.

Ajayi, who is the President of, PAAF Centre for Constitutional Literacy and Civic Education, commended the foundation for recognising his efforts in constitutional literacy for peace promotion and pledged to do more to build peace.

Also, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Fidet Okhiria, who was conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degree of Philosophy of Peace, said the award would strengthen him more in nation-building.

Another recipient of Ambassador of Peace, Dr. Prosper-Ohayagha Success, urged people to start preaching peace.