By Zika Bobby
Grand Patron of the Apostles of Peace Society International (AOPI) and Bishop of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Rev. James Odedeji and the University of Lagos Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola said Nigeria should embrace peace if she most grow.
Speaking at the AOPL annual peace award and investiture in Lagos, where three eminent Nigerians, former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande; Group CEO, Blue Star Group, Chief (Sir) Obi Okafor, and CEO, Aero Contractors Ltd, Capt. Ado Sanusi, were honoured with awards, Bishop Odedeji urged youths to seek constructive engagement with the government at all levels.
He said: “Instead of protest, let’s engage in a dialogue. Protests at this time may be counter-productive. It’s not a good time to protest. Please, let’s deploy dialogue, friendship, and see how we can allow peace reign in our country.
“From experience, most protests I have witnessed have always been hijacked by unscrupulous elements who can’t follow the ideals of peaceful protest. Let’s avoid inflicting more pains on ourselves and the country under the guide of protest.
“Let’s seek to dialogue and profitably engage the government for a better society,” he said.
He added: “Today, under the theme: “Peace in Nigeria,” we gather to chart a course for the future, a testament to our unwavering belief in the power of unity and dialogue. It is a call to action for all of us to continue
striving for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria. In a world often marred by conflict and division, your presence here is a symbol of hope. It reminds us that peace is not just an aspiration but a tangible goal.
Together, through our collective efforts, we can build a Nigeria where every citizen can live in harmony and security.
The goal of this event is manifold. We seek to reflect on our past achievements, renew our commitment to peace, and chart a course for the future.
The Apostles of Peace International is a tapestry woven with threads of compassion, service, and unwavering faith. We have built and provided community water sources and supplies as social
amenities to elevate the hygiene status in educational institutions, seminary, correctional homes and communities that are cut off from such essential supplies, we have built and managed food and home
needs banks to orphanages, offered medical assistance to communities, provided economic empowerment programs through the Siyanbola Aderinola Oladapo Economic Empowerment
Foundation (SAOEEF), and spread the Gospel with a fervor that is matched only by our dedication to the cause of peace. Our interventions have touched the lives of many, from the innocent children in
nursery classes to the seasoned minds in tertiary institutions. We have extended our hands to the needy, comforted the afflicted, and stood as a bulwark against the tides of discord and strife.
From our inception, we have committed ourselves to a mission that transcends the ordinary. Our Humanitarian, Evangelical, and Philanthropic (H.E.P) activities are driven by a governance philosophy.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who spoke on the theme: ‘Christians and the Struggle for Peace and Justice in Nigeria’, urged Nigerians to deliberately seek peace in all circumstances, adding that enduring peace must come with fairness and protection of human rights.
She said: “As Christians, peace is a mindset and we must intentionally pursue it in this difficult world. This means that everybody must be treated equally irrespective of their status or standing. It also means punishment for any wrong action done.
“Part of the problems we have in Nigeria today is impunity, and Christians must guide against this. Evil flourishes when everybody keeps quiet,” she said.