Advocates for Global Peace Forum International appauds South-East Councillors

*Unveils South East Vocational Center

• We are promoting peace, youth empowerment – Says Hon Chinedu Ukatu

The Advocates for Global Peace Forum International (AGPFI), has appauded South-East Peace Councillors for their initiative in taking steps to embark on programmes that will promote peace, youth empowerment, economic growth and development in the region.

AGPFI German Representative and International Relation officer for Africa,
Ambassador Stefanie Marrietta,
gave this commendation, at the luncheon organised by South-East Peace Councillors, under the leadership of Hon. Chinedu Ukatu, as the Regional Coordinator.

The programme, which took place at Benny Hotel, Festac town, Lagos, yesterday, was a colourful ceremony and well attended by members of the group.

In her speech, Ambassador Marrietta,
informed; “Looking at current troubling developments in Nigeria, the record of violence is increasing daily. It is becoming a huge task to stay safe in Nigeria at the moment, especially in the South East.

“Eastern part of Nigeria is now where myriads of cases of violent attacks and loss of lives are being recorded daily.

“Sustaining peace is one of the most important mandates for Global Peace Forum International; and on that basis was the theme of this year’s peace luncheon, ‘The role of Peace Councillors in global leadership, security and deepening international relations for growth and development’ was formed”.

She pointed out :
“Security and Peace Councillors aimed to increase our strategic coherence to support the efforts of national governments and people to prevent outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflicts.

“Peace Councillors play vital roles in helping to prevent escalation of conflicts and engage government agencies, as well as relevant stakeholders in promoting peace and conflicts resolution.

“2025 agenda for sustainable development is our common global project to help tackle the root cause of violence, which poverty and unemployment are part of. AGPFI will support Nigeria’s efforts to build a training center, to train the youths in various skills that will keep them significantly engaged. This plays a greater role in connecting our efforts on peace and security with our work of supporting sustainable development.

“We owe a huge debt to South-East Peace Councillors for their services, personal and collective sacrifices.
In future, we will be hosting several collaborative seminars on peace building in Europe and other parts of the world to better expose and equip them.”

Also speaking, AGPFI Co-ordinator for Francophone West Africa, Mr. Samadi Rutherford, emphasised the importance of promoting peace in Africa and the global community.

According to him, peace and stability are important elements in economic growth and sustainability.

In his response, Hon. Ukatu, stressed :
“We are trying to empower our youths and create jobs to ensure economic growth and development.

“We also want to promote peace, as well as sustainable growth.
By December this year, we are planning to organise a festival that will focus on promoting peace in the South-East”.

The high points of the programme were the unveiling of the proposed South-East vocational Center and presentation of the prototype of South-East Peace Torch initiative to Ambassador Marrietta.

Other interesting aspects of the event include presentation of Identity Cards to the South-East peace Councillors, as well as appointment of some officials to work with the regional Coordinator.