Security Expert Makes Strong Case For Domestication of Peace, Conflict Resolution In Institutions
….as Professor Okaba receives award
By: Jones Abiri
The President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba has urged the three tiers of governments to domesticate peace and conflict resolution in various institutions to attain sustainable development.
Professor Okaba made the call at an event to mark the 2023 International Peace Day at the Ebitimi Banigo hall in University of Port Harcourt Rivers State.
The event was organized by the Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS) of the University of Port Harcourt in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development.
According to him, without peace and security, it would be difficult to attain sustainable development in the society especially in Nigeria.
“Addressing insecurity starts with social reforms, domesticating peace, calling for negotiations and dialogue within local communities as well as inculcating culture of hard work on the youth in the country.
“It is not enough to give our people palliatives but to create enabling environment in communities for peace to thrive,” Professor said.
The erudite professor, who was also a lecturer and alumni, thanked the university for honouring him with the Center’s Fellow Investiture describing it as a “charge to campaign for peace within the country, Nigeria and tertiary institutions for peace to reign as this usher in the needed development for every locality.”
Founder of the Center for Peace and Security Studies, Prof Mark Anikpo presenting the Fellow award to the erudite professor Benjamin Okaba, said the award will propel their inner mind to advocate for peace in the country.
In his opening speech, the chairman of the occasion and honourable commissioner of culture and tourism development in Bayelsa state, Dr. Iti Orugbani said without peace in our society the environment can’t be developed and appeal to the younger generation to always embrace peace in whatever they do in the country.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill declared that Nigeria and the rest of the world were in dire need of leaders who were peacemakers.
Georgewill said that the International Day of Peace called for collective commitment to championing peace in the society adding that the journey of peace was a collective responsibility for every Nigerian citizen and not the awardees alone.
The keynote speaker, Professor Isaac Olawale Albert, who spoke extensively on various security challenges globally, saying that people in society needs attitudinal change towards issues, stressing that, when our attitude turn for good then society experience unabated peace and well-being of our democracy and development.
In his remarks, the Director, Center for Peace and Security Studies, Professor Martin Ifeanacho, lamented that peace had been elusive in the world with crises ravaging global communities.
The director charged the awardees to use the honour to be good ambassadors of peace to university and the society at large.
Highlights of the event was the investiture of some dignitaries as Fellow, CPSS, including Professor Benjamin Okaba, President Ijaw National Congress, Hon. Adaonah Kene-Uyanwune, managing partner at Manmark Associates, Prince Henry Agpodjan, Logistics Manager, Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas and Chief Leo Edochie, Managing Director/CEO, Solotone Global Ventures LTD.
The event was entertained by the university’s Arts Theatre troupe with other side attractions by Okirika masquerade.
