By Eze Adiuku
The Clergy for Justice and Peace International, CJPI, under the Mezie Imo Clergy Forum last Saturday honoured the Imo State Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Hon Obinna Bright Ekwebelem alongside some other distinguished citizens with Peace Ambassador awards.
Ekwebelem was honoured with the Peace Award for his immeasurable support and tireless contributions towards peace in the society.
Delivering his welcome address at a one day conference of peace tagged “Come Let Us Reason Together”, President, Clergy For Justice And Peace International, CJPI, Bishop Professor Athan Azubuike, expressed worry and dissatisfaction with the increasing level of insecurity across the state, which he said has crippled the economy of Imo.
Bishop Azubuike in his keynote address harped on the need for all and sundry to always embrace peace for the sake of development and unity, adding that the aim of the conference is to promote peace, unity and “reconcile our grievances amongst us ( the people of Imo State) most especially amongst the ruling class and political merchants”.
According to him, peace is the only life wire to progress, development and growth of any society.
“In a society where there is no peace, such society can never grow nor succeed. Therefore, achieving peace is necessary because Imo State as our only state has experienced various levels of insecurity and difficult moment of challenges due to lack of peace”, he stated.
Continuing, he disclosed that the conference is targeted at serving as a great leadership opportunity for individuals and government to address the issue of insecurity which has caused more harm than good to the society.
The CJPI President use the opportunity to call on all in the various positions of authority to embrace peace, especially all the 2023 political party candidates for the November 11th 2023 gubernatorial polls to seek peace during and after the electioneering exercise.
Reacting to the award, Imo SDP governorship candidate, Hon Obinna Bright Ekwebelem expressed satisfaction with the successful deliberations on in Imo.
Ekwebelem promised to tow the path of peace even in his campaigns and vowed to protect lives and properties of the people of Imo State, when elected as Governor in the November 11 election.
Some of the persons who were honoured with various awards include Wife of the Imo State Governor, Barr.Mrs.Chioma Uzodimma who was honoured with an Award as Mother Of Peace, Special Adviser to the Imo Governor on Youth Affairs, Hon.Eric Uwakwe, Lolo Christina Oparaugo, was also honoured with an Award of Peace.
Respected scholars and university dons invited to feature as Guest Speakers at the conference included: Prof. Osy Nwebo, Rev.Fr.Prof.Philip Ogbonna, Sir.Fidel Onyeneke, and Prof.Dr.(Mrs.) Nnenna Otti.
Others are: Sir.Ezechi Chukwudi, PhD; Dr.Mrs.Stella Nlemchi and Hon.Comr.Eric Uwakwe.
The Peace Conference which was held at the prestigious Rockview Hotels Owerri attracted many notable individuals including traditional rulers, religious leaders, political chieftains, business moguls, students, captains of industries and youths from across the 27 LGA’s of the state.
