The Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Mallam Ado M. Yahuza has called on the traditional rulers, religious, political and youth leaders at all levels in Nigeria to educate their members that peace culture will promote non violence and harness sustainable national development
Stating this in his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the two-day training programme on Cultural differences, conflicts and their resolutions for peaceful coexistence, he noted that no nation is known to attract tourists and Foreign Direct Investment where insecurity and violence manifest in a large proportion as being witnessed currently in Nigeria
The event which, NICO is in collaboration with Sokosh Nigeria Limited took place on the 5th October, 2021 at Rochas Foundation College, opposite Nasco food, old Airport junction, Jos, Plateau State had dignitaries in attendance.
They include
The Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), represented by Mr Patrick Nwagbo Obi, Training School, Abuja. The chairman of the occasion, ACM Wobin Gorah (FRSC), represented by Mrs Selbyen Tale. Controller, Nigeria Immigration, Plateau Command, represented by Apollonia Amokaha, the commissioner of police, Plateau State represented by CSP Gowon Boka, DPO, Anglo-Jos, Dr Abiodun Deborah Yetunde, University of Jos, Dr. Auwalu Halilu, Bayero University, kano State (BUK), Aliyu Abdulrahaman Saad, BUK, Dr Prince Charles Dickson, an expert on indigenous Peacemaking from tri Centre, Barr. Buhari Ibrahim Shehu, lecturer, Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano among others.
The theme of the programme is “Cultural Consciousness and Tolerance as a tool for Conflict Resolutions”
The ES, represented by Mr. Patrick Nwagbo Obi, Training School NICO Abuja, stated that why leaders should engage their followers on the importance of peace was that Nigerians are peace loving people who respect sanctity of human life, but external influences have interfered with these cherished cultural values
Reiterating that leaders at levels can restore these eroding cultural values by engaging their members on the need for peace at all times, Yahuza said: “It is disheartening to state that insecurity is has become the bane of our development. The high incidence of terrorism, kidnapping, human trafficking, cultism, indigene settler conflicts, farmers-herders conflicts among others have become serious threats to our existence. I am confident that the concerted efforts of traditional institutions, religious, youths and political leaders by educating their members will restore peace, engendear tolerance and unity for sustainable national and economic development.”
Continuing, he stated that NICO as the apex Cultural Institute in Nigeria has continuously used its programme like seminars, conferences, cultural clubs in schools, Nigerian indigenous language programme, training programmes leading to the award of Post graduate and national diploma in Cultural Administration etc to pursue peaceful coexistence among Nigerians
Commending the honorable minister for information and culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed for his tremendous support to NICO towards the realization of its mandates, the ES also expressed his appreciation to Sokosh Nigeria Limited
He further urged the participants to to leverage on the opportunities which the programme will provide to be ambassadors of peace by disseminating the information on the importance of peace and security to sustainable national development
Tabitha Jwalshik, ES office & Helen Mfongang O&CA