OKADA – The National Orientation Agency,(NOA), has emphasize the need for Nigerians to embrace peace and coexist in their various communities, in other to fast track the socio-economic development of the country.
Edo state Director, NOA, Mrs Grace Eseka, gave the emphasis recently in her address, during a programme organized by the agency, at Okada, administrative headquarters of Ovia North East Local government area of Edo state.
The programme which is in line with NOA Nationwide Security Awareness Sensitization campaign, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, youths, market women and the general public, to chart a course for peace across the nation.
Mrs Eseka who noted “Peace is a commodity of inestimable value”, stated that, it has become imperative for citizens to become desirous of peace and to eschew all forms of violence, chaos and insecurity.
While advising residents to desist from hate speeches and misinformation which according to her could curse division among people, the Edo NOA Boss called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to compliment federal and states government efforts in providing and maintaining peace.
“Communal, political, and social conflicts leading to periodic violence must not be allowed to become a prominent feature of our lives”, She added.
Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO), Okada, SP Oluku Othuke commended NOA for putting together such a forum, noting that, to ensure peace and security in the country calls for collective effort from everyone.
SP Othuke however encouraged participants to develop the power to analyze and understand different perspective based on religion, culture, age bracket and general way of life.
Meanwhile, The participants during the interactive session agreed that peace building is the business of all citizenry, and appealed to the federal government to equip the police for efficient service delivery.
