Peace Begins with You
Peace Begins with you! At a time in the history of Nigeria where peace and security has become a major issue especially in the North Eastern part of the country. The celebration of peace is a noble one because it promotes shared values of democracy, oneness, equality and development. K&TRC in collaboration with Joy Chinonye Foundation pioneered by Miss Tourism Eastern Nigeria – Olebu Joy Chinonye – joined other Fifty-two member countries globally today 13th March 2017 to celebrate CommonWealth Day 2017 with the theme: “Peace-building commonwealth” the celebration provided the opportunity for individuals, communities and organizations to join in the peace building efforts globally.
To mark the #CommonwealthDay 2017 A peace tour was organized with the Queen, Miss Tourism Eastern Nigeria during which dialogue circles were held with selected groups of people that are vital to ensuring a conflict-free environment; Students of HEIRS College Ijapo, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Police and Youths were engaged in peace-building interactive sessions. A highlight of the day was the Novelty Football Match in Odeputu Community- a violence hotspot- in Akure, Ondo State Nigeria.
The Queen- Miss Olebu Chinonye – opened the discussion with the use of violence pictures, she emphasized on why violence and conflicts should be stopped to avoid killing of innocent souls, according to her: “None of the youths used to perpetrate violence has been rewarded with a Ministerial posts or any leadership position”. Therefore Peace is still the best option for any individual, family, society or Nation. During the dialogue circles participants shared their views on causes of violence such as intolerance, tribalism, youth unemployment, frustration, peer influence, poverty, e.t.c The dialogue circles ended with discussions on what could be done to mitigate violence in our communities and ways of ensuring peace among which are: respect, love and understanding
The #CommonwealthDay peace tour ended in Odopetu Community in a Novelty Football Match between Odopetu and Ajegunle Youths to promote peace, love and development among the communities. This is a community known for conflict and high rate of violence among youths but the Novelty match united both communities together such that differences and conflicts were set aside and the bond of friendship and love was formed.