The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), has conferred the award of Lord Mayor and Eminence Peace Ambassador on two prominent entrepreneurs in the country, the Chairman of Chisco Group, Chief (Ambassador) Chidi Anyaegbu and the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos State, Chief Solomon Aguene.
The presentation of the 2024 class of award was held in Lagos in a well attended program, which saw Igbo sons and daughters from all walks of live eulogise the awardees for their many strides.
By this award, they have been inducted into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) international hall of fame.
Chief Solomon Aguene is the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Aguene Art Foundation. He has used his business connections and leadership position as Ohanaeze President to touch many lives especially the less privileged in the society through philanthropic gestures over the years. Chief Aguene has been described by many as a bridge builder and lover of peace and that was why he was given the chieftaincy title “Udochia Ndigbo”, which literally means let peace reign. He is a recipient of several awards both National and International and has capped it up with the Mayor of Peace Ambassador.
Chairman, Chisco Group, Chidi Anyaegbu, was awarded for achieving over 50 percent of the SDG.
Dr Anyaegbu, a Nigerian businessman and transport mogul, is the founder and Chairman of Chisco Group Ltd and Havila Air. The Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State-born Chief Anyaegbu has attended several management and entrepreneurial institutions in France, USA, Brazil, Germany, and United Kingdom.
While presenting the award,
Ambassador Per Stafsen, world peace president, kingdom of Denmark, noted that the association is optimistic that
peace will reign in Nigeria.
He noted that in line with the mandate of IAWPA, “we are conferring two mayors of peace on two prominent Nigerians who through their peaceful activities and humanitarian track records have been given our approval for the prestigious award.
He noted that the association has awarded the mayor of peace award to only five persons in Africa.
“History is made today as two Nigerians join.
Stafsen enjoined all Nigerians to embrace peace and live together in peace,. adding that nothing can be compared to a peaceful country.
“Nigeria is indeed filled with human and natural resources, but can only be resourceful through peace.”
Stafsen explained that the recipients were nominated for what they have done for global peace and by the awards as Mayor, it was more work for humanity. He stated that by the award, the recipients have been inducted into the hall of fame and they will continue to be Ambassadors for World Peace.
In his acceptance, the elated Ohanaeze president, Aguene said
“I did not nominate myself. The organization saw that I am capable that was why they nominated me . I’m really happy about this and grateful to God that it came to reality.
He said he has always settled disputes in the Ohanaeze communities. I’ve resolved so many disputes Above all, I’m so happy with the award.”
In the next sixty days I will be presented to the president. I’ve always been his supporter. When the Ohanaeze was scrapped from the protocols list of Lagos state, it was through me that it was restored.
I will try my best to hand over to the right person who will fulfill the mandate of the organisation.
My advise to Nigerians is that everyone should embrace peace because peace is the only way to go. “You can’t achieve anything without peace.”