Grassroots involvement in peace process emphasised as Rotary

The active support of citizens and communities in conflict resolution and peace building initiatives remains pivotal to sustainable harmony.

The Divisional Police Officer, Festac Town, CSP Bakare Ibrahim, made this known in his presentation at an event organised to commemorate the first anniversary of the Rotary Club of Amuwo.

Speaking on the topic, “Understanding Peace Building and Conflict Resolution,” CSP Bakare pointed out that top-down approaches would always fail in yielding the necessary result without grassroots support.

He noted that conflict resolution also entails managing and resolving existing disputes through negotiation, mediation and dialogue to avoid escalation, and empowering citizens and communities to create resilient societies. “Citizens and communities are the foundation of peace efforts, as top-down approaches often fail without grassroots support. Individuals can act as peace agents by modelling nonviolent behaviour, while communities provide the social fabric for collective actions,” he stated, adding that the key roles expected of the citizens and communities in peace building include advocacy and raising awareness about conflict drivers.

“Peace education programs through integrated conflict resolution in schools and community centers as well as teaching skills like empathy, critical thinking, and non-violent communication promotes education and cultural exchange,” the DPO concluded.

Another guest speaker at the event, Chukwuma Ezeala, a lawyer identified the family as the origin of most conflicts and urged the people to lay good foundations for peaceful relationships within the family while planning to set up their families.

Ezeala said statistical evaluation has shown that 30 percent of couples argue every week, while 26 to 37 percent of conflict among couples stems from issues of money; while 29 percent is due to communication issues. “Where do conflicts come from? Conflicts originate from us through our families, and this later escalates into the world. So, this must be an important subject when families are being constituted,” he posited

Earlier in her opening address, the President of the club, Jessica Ojingwa Onyike commended members of the club and partners, whose dedication and partnership, she noted, accounts for the level of success the Rotary Club of Amuwo recorded in the past one year.

Her words: “Tonight, we pause to reflect on a beautiful journey of one year of friendship and service, as well as one year of living out the Rotary ideal of service above self.

“When we began this club, we carried a simple but powerful vision: to make a meaningful difference in our community through compassion, integrity, and unity. In just twelve months, that vision has taken shape through our projects, partnerships and the unwavering dedication of every member present here, “she stated.

She commended the charter members of the club for their courage to dream and build; the partners and supporters of the club for believing in the mission of the club; and expressed gratitude to every member for their time, energy and commitment to service.

“As we celebrate today, we are setting the stage for the future. The road ahead calls us to serve more boldly, love more deeply, and impact more lives. “With the unity and passion that defines this club, I am confident our second year will shine even brighter,” she enthused.

Dignitaries present at the event include: CSP Bakare Ibrahim, guest speaker and Divisional Police Officer, Festac Town; Barrister Chukwuma Ezeala, a legal expert and guest speaker; Rotarian Omotunde Lawson, first District Governor of District 9110; Rotarian Betty Elegba, Charter President; Rotarian Adeogun Oluyinka, Assistant Governor; Rotarian Damian Izuka, President Rotary Club of Ikeja South; PAG Gabriel Imoh Usoro; Rotarian Maureen Okolie, President -Elect/Treasurer; PAG Allan Emezue among others.