From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Dr King Charles Bassey, International President of The Institute for Universal Harmony (TIFUH), has urged Nigerian citizens to embrace peace advocacy and actively promote peace and unity.
Dr Charles delivered this charge during the Induction Ceremony & Launching of Scholarship Scheme for Peace Practitioners in Nigeria, held in Calabar in collaboration with the University of Calabar.
He emphasized that development and progress are impossible in conflict-ridden societies, highlighting the need for citizens, especially youth, to champion peace initiatives across communities in Nigeria.
“I challenge citizens to channel their energy and skills into creating policies that would help build peace and influence leaders to make conflict-sensitive policies,” Dr Charles stated.
He affirmed TIFUH’s commitment to building peace and developing the capacity of citizens and professionals to cultivate positive attitudes towards conflict resolution and crisis management.
His Eminence, Ekpenyong Akpanika, Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, acknowledged the threat that conflict poses to peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. He challenged citizens to become active peace practitioners.
“Peace practitioners are needed in our communities because conflict has seriously threatened our existence,” he stated. “We must all join forces to advocate for peace because it is only peace that can guarantee our success as a nation.”
He congratulated the TIFUH inductees and urged them to serve as ambassadors of peace.
The event also featured the induction of TIFUH graduates as probationary members of the institute and the conferment of honorary awards to distinguished personalities.