The Messengers of Peace, a registered Non-Governmental Organization, has urged Nigerians to work together to achieve peace as called for by President Muhammadu Buhari.
They made the call on Monday in Abuja at a briefing on this year’s annual National Peace Awards coming up November 13th 2021 in Abuja.
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The Convener of National Peace Awards and President of Messengers of Peace Foundation, Dr. Suleiman Adejoh, said that it is important for Nigerians to heed the call of Mr. President as security and well being of the society and the citizens is a collective responsibility and not that of government alone.
He said the event will host a gathering of men and women who are promoting peace within and outside the country including diplomatic missions to Nigeria.
“Awards of honors will be conferred on deserving personalities who have used their time, resources, talent or offices to foster unity in our nation. This will encourage them and several others to promote peaceful coexistence in our dear country.
“This event is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s Peace Advocacy Mantra. He was honoured at our 2020 awards as the grand patron of peace in Nigeria. Other notable Nigerians like the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Honorable Minister of State FCT, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife, Osun and Borno State Governors, The ALGON National President, among others were also awarded,” Adejoh said.
He also said that based on the nominations received since November 2020 when the awareness started, this year’s recipients after the voting process by Nigerians through various platforms have completed their assignment and the Emir of Bichi shall be receiving award and honour as the most peaceful traditional ruler in Nigeria, and that he is also one of the Patrons of the Messengers of Peace.
“The Executive Governors of Borno State Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum shall be honored as the all-round best governor in Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State shall be receiving the award and honour as the most pro-active governor of the year/guest speaker, as he is also one of the patrons of the messengers of peace,” he said.
He also listed Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa of Delta State, Governor John Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur Usman; and the Minister of State FCT, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu Tijjani among others as this year’s awardees.
He said, “In order to spread the message of peace nationwide, the Messengers of Peace are in partnership with ALGON to distribute our customized vehicle plate number to all the Local Government Chairman, Vice Chairmen and one paramount Traditional ruler in Nigeria.
“The peace plate number shall be unveiled officially at this year’s awards by the keynote Speaker, the SGF, Boss Mustafa, who is a recipient of 2020 edition of the awards as the most strategic personality in Nigeria.”
The duo of Mr. Tola Balogun and Mrs. Mercy Shaba, who are executive members of the organization urged Nigerians to shun acts capable of brewing crisis in the country and that national development cannot be achieved without peace.
