Abia State Director of National Orientation Agency, NOA Dr Ngozi Okechukwu is calling on institutions like religious organizations to assist the agency in it's efforts in fighting insecurity and gender peace in Nigeria.
Dr Okechukwu made the call during an advocacy visit to the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche on the topic, " Building a people of Peace: Towards Enhancing National Security held at Methodist Theological Institute, Umuahia.
According to Dr Ngozi Okechukwu, NOA is currently carrying out the campaign simultaneously in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT aimed at increasing synergy among relevant stakeholders in dousing you it see
political, religious , economic and ethnic tensions.
She added that the move is also aligned with the understanding derived from the Nigerian constitution that national integration shall be actively encouraged, whilst discrimination on the grounds of peace of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited.
In her words, "all these have considerable impact on development, consolidation of democracy and indeed the corporate existence of the country. The challenge of managing ethno-religious diversity have left a legacy of unhealthy inter-group relations and a culture of impunity. Going by the fact that pockets of violence in some states of the Federation persists, it is not out of place to say that the tension being generated by secessionist agitation, religious and ethnic groups have led to the escalation of violence in many communities".
"Therefore, National Orientation Agency has realized that Government cannot do this alone. All critical stakeholders and citizens should be involved because, as they ‘say security is everyone’s business.’’ Again violence is not an inevitable problem that our human determination cannot overcome. Violence is often predictable and preventable, and leaders have the responsibility to contain the constraints to peace and security".
"We strongly believe that if the Methodist church gets more committed in this national security campaign, there will be transformation and sustainable stability. Pulpit managers and religious leaders of all faiths should pursue peace initiatives that will reject hate speech and promote religious harmony and unity. Sermons, preaching and exhortations should promote religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence as a means of peace. Religious leaders should promote moral values of love as a virtue because where love exists there is absence of suspicious, religious discrimination, rivalry, competitions, strife and tension".
Finally, "every nation needs a measure of peace to survive. As Christians, it is our prerogative to achieve harmonious relationship among individuals or groups so that we can have joy. I will end with prov. 12:20 ‘ Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace and joy’’.
Responding, the Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Kanu Uche said as ways of reducing insecurity in Nigeria, recommended that the federal government should declare state of emergency on employment in the country.
Prelate Kanu Uche also charged all levels of government to engage the youths meaningfully in farming business and urged federal government to recruit more security workers. He added that Nigeria porous border contributes alot to insecurity.
The prelate said, "it is either the immigration and customs are not enough to check crimes at the borders or they are compromising"
While educating Nigerians to vote for credible people during the 2023 general election.
" People should not sale their votes because of money, the little politicians are given to vote for them are not enough to care for the family".
He maintained that everybody should be civil in 2023, while the parties should also allow people at the grassroots to elect who they want. As such, will bring peace, development, but when we elect failures, our problem will persist.
The Prelate commended NOA for not being partisan in their affairs and disclosed as he prepare to retire November 2022, the Methodist Church Nigeria under his watch has concluded plans to train at least three thousand persons in various skills as part of measures to reduce unemployment. He revealed that the beneficiaries would be empowered with "seed money" to start up what they have learnt.
In appreciation, the Conference Lay President, Methodist Church Nigeria, Sir Iheanyichukwu Okechukwu thanked NOA for taking their advocacy to Methodist Church Nigeria.
Sir Okechukwu described the prelate as a humble man, committed with the work of God and generous in giving. He however, encouraged NOA not to relent in their advocacy work.
Highpoint of the visit was exchange of newspaper, calendar and other publications by the two organisations.
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