Award Night: Igbo Youth sign Peace Accord with host communities in Kaduna
http://www.newsportng.com.ng The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, Kaduna State Chapter, has signed a peace pact with the Arewa Youths and other host communities in Kaduna State.
The accord was signed at the Igbo Youth Summit and Dinner Awards Night, where individuals who have contributed and are still contributing to peace and development were acknowledged.
Speaking via Skype from the United Kingdom, the President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing, Kaduna State Chapter, High Chief Christopher Columbus Onukwugha Geoman (Ochinawata 1), emphasized the value of peace.
He asserted that no matter how wealthy a country is, progress remains unattainable without peace. He, therefore, urged the teeming youths to prioritize peaceful coexistence as the panacea for sustainable growth and development.
Chief Geoman also cautioned the Igbo community in Kaduna to respect their hosts and continue spreading the message of peace while pursuing their legitimate businesses.
Earlier, the National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima, remarked that the event was a historic milestone in promoting lasting peace in Kaduna State and its environs.
Represented by Alhaji Sagir Musa, AYCF acknowledged the strong ties between the Igbo and Hausa communities and applauded the initiative by the Igbo Youths as a significant step towards achieving a harmonious society.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, CP Ibrahim Abdullahi, praised the Igbo community for their peaceful disposition and commitment to legitimate and lawful businesses in the state.
The Commissioner, who was represented by SCP Kabiru Kofamata, also assured the community of police protection during and after the Christmas season and commended the summit organizers for their efforts to promote unity.
Highlights of the event included an award presentation to peace builders. CP Abdullahi bagged the “Fair Policing Award,” while the late Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams was posthumously honored with the “Distinguished Leadership Merit Award.”
Others recognized were High Chief Christopher Columbus Geoman for his resilience and leadership in fostering a youth movement focused on peace, and Hon. Austine Aniagu, the Kaduna State Labour Party Youth Leader, who was honored as the “Resourceful Igbo Youth of the Year, 2024, among other awardees.
