The United Nations’ Peace and Positive Living Awareness Centre (UN-PEPOLAC) held its Annual General Meeting today, marking the occasion with a groundbreaking ceremony for its “Peace and Leadership Centre Multipurpose Building” project.
The planned facility will include a conference hall, an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) room, meeting and seminar halls, offices for the International College of Peace Advocates, peace education and tourism offices, and executive offices.
Before the project’s launch, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, represented by Deputy Majority Leader Dr. Jude Akpua, emphasized the critical role of peace in sustainable development. He noted that this importance led to the recent passage of a peace-building bill by the House.
In her keynote address, Professor Kate Omenugha, Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, stated that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice. She urged efforts to create a society where justice prevails, acknowledging that while justice is challenging to achieve, it is essential for peaceful coexistence. She also highlighted the need for investment in education to cultivate peace.
Among the dignitaries was the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka, who lauded the benefits of peace and praised UN-PEPOLAC’s efforts in promoting peace in Anambra and beyond. He described the Peace and Leadership Centre Multipurpose Building as a legacy project that will benefit future generations.
The event’s convener, Bishop Dr. Ozioma Ozoemena, stated that the project aims to foster peaceful coexistence, set a standard in peace advocacy, and institutionalize the principles necessary for global peace.
Award recipients at the event, including Comrade Innocent Mba, Dr. Okey Obi, Apostle Okechukwu Nnamdi, and Liberian Bill Malema Wonta, committed to continuing their advocacy for peace in their respective communities to build a better society.
