An initiative aimed at addressing the growing insecurity in Nigeria has been launched at four tertiary institutions through the Peace Club. The Peace Club is a collaborative effort between Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and Partners for Peace Network.
The inauguration of the Peace Club at Imo State University was prompted by the alarming state of insecurity in the country. Godsent Chilos, the head of the network in Owerri, emphasized the importance of adopting diplomatic political engagements to find solutions to the persistent insecurity in the Southeast region. He further emphasized the need for equal representation of all stakeholders to facilitate the restoration of peace in the area.
Chilos highlighted that the Peace Club has the potential to bring an end to violence, chaos, and domestic disputes in society and homes. The trained members of the club will play a crucial role in maintaining peace within the university environment.
He said, “The Peace Club has been successfully implemented in secondary schools, and today we are simultaneously inaugurating peace clubs in four higher institutions in the region, namely Imo State University, University of Calabar, Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba, and Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.”
The primary objective of the Peace Club at Imo State University is to establish a peace architecture within the institution. The club will promote the dissemination of peace education and effective peace management among students. Additionally, the club will encourage students to resolve conflicts through peaceful means rather than resorting to violence.
Prof (Fr) Philip Ogbonna, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze, at the inauguration. He commended the members of the Peace Club for their voluntary efforts and urged them to be exemplary leaders who promote peace in their respective territories.
Furthermore, Prof Ogbonna assured the university’s commitment to collaborating with the Peace Club to ensure a peaceful and secure environment within the institution.
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