Imo Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has pledged its continued sacrosanct commitment to the pursuit of peace in its areas of responsibility.
The Corps’ Commandant in Imo, Mr Matthew Ovye, made the pledge while addressing men and officers of the command, in a brief ceremony organised as part of activities marking the year 2023 International Day of Peace, in Owerri, on Thursday.
Our correspondent reports that the United Nations General Assembly set aside September 21 of every year as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through observing 24 hours of nonviolence and cease fire.
Speaking on the year’s theme: “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals”, Ovye noted that once peaceful countries are currently grappling with gapping inequalities and political polarization, with Nigeria having a fair share of of conflicts and insecurity in recent years.
He said that as a key player in community peace stabilization and conflict resolution as well as protection of civilians and critical national assets, as enshrined in the corps’ mandate, the NSCDC would continue to foster peace for the realization of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
“ The SDGs aim to bring us closer to more peaceful, just and inclusive societies free from fear and violence but, without the contribution of a wide range of actors including the 1.2 billion young people alive, the goals will not be achieved.
“ We , the NSCDC in Imo, on behalf of our Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Audi, invite you to to join the UN call to take actions for peace, fight inequality, drive action on climate change, promote and protect human rights in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Declaration of Peace (IDP) 2023 “, he said.
He further said that the Command under his watch has continued to strengthen all mechanisms and structures that allow for Alternative Disputes Resolution with strong synergy with relevant government agencies.
He called for a peaceful November 11 governorship election in Imo, adding that election is not war, and together all hands will be on deck to achieve a peaceful exercise.
Speaking, Zonal Commandant, Zone “E” of the NSCDC, Mr Aliyu Ndanusi called on the general public to provide credible information to aid security agencies in maintenance of peace.
According to him, the NSCDC will continue to collaborate with other security outfits in the pursuit of a peaceful society in the spirit of the Day.
Also, Gov. Hope Uzodinma urged Imo residents to eschew violence but pursue peace at all costs adding that today’s struggles for peace will mean a better future for those yet unborn.
Uzodinma, represented by his Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution who doubles as the Director-General of the National Peace Corps, Mr Peter Ohagwa, assured Imo people of his government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful state irrespective of the inherent challenges.
A highlight of the event was a peaceful march accompanied with chants of songs of peace by officers of the command.