Fides Media Living the Faith
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Transition Committee Chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area, Hon Clems Aguiyi, has called for constructive engagement with the aim to foster dialogue that will address issues of agitations, restiveness and violence prevalent in society.
Hon Aguiyi made the call while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after being bestowed with a Peace Ambassador Award by the United Nations Peace and Positive Living Awareness Centre (UN-PEPOLAC) in Awka.
According to him, a significant step towards achieving high level peace and harmony was to adopt Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) at every segment of society, especially at the community level.
‘I think we should be able to embrace peace, people should always allow peace to reign. They should be able to resolve issues without necessarily going for conflict and crisis. Once there is crisis, stakeholders have to take a step to see that it is contained.’
He then reasoned that ADR as a tool, must be sought for at community level in resolving issues by elders and stakeholders the African way, for sustainable peace to take place.
While acknowledging that peace and stability in society were very paramount, he recommended the creation of platforms for open dialogue on ways to restore normalcy in crisis torn communities.
The Council boss applauded the Governor Soludo-led Administration for its high investment in ensuring peace and security in the state.
Earlier, the International Coordinator, UN-PEPOLAC, Bishop Ozioma Ozoemena, had urged the award recipients to initiate peace building projects and social programmes to benefit their communities under the umbrella of the organisation.
‘It portrays you as a man of peace and integrity across board which brings recognitions, connections, interactions and partnership amongst distinguished peace advocates and the global communities,’ Ozoemena said.