A non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Enugu, known as Baywood Foundation, on Monday took its campaign for peace and security in Nigeria through the major streets of Enugu.
The group, in collaboration with the Association for a Better Society (ASBESOC), urged residents of the Coal City to embrace peace and security in their daily activities.
The Director of the foundation, Mr Chukwudi Ojielo, said that the march for peace and security was part of the activities by the group to mark this year’s United Nations World Peace Day.
Ojielo said that the event was meant to sensitise the masses on the importance of peace and security in society, without which there would be no meaningful development.
He said: “Our target is to have one million people on the streets disseminating information and talking about peace.
“We need to work together like a community to make our society peaceful and secure.
“What we are also doing is to reach out to the communities that are at the point of desecrating the land, sensitising them on the need to enthrone a peaceful and secure society for the unborn generation.”
He described the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defense Corps, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Legal Council of Nigeria and Human Rights Commission as partners in the campaign.
Also, the Programme Officer of the foundation, Mr Nwabueze Ali, said the event would go a long way to create awareness on the need to enthrone peace and security in Nigeria.
“What we are doing does not only create awareness but also makes people to feel that the little things they are doing to achieve peace and security are appreciated,” Ali said.
He said that apart from advocacy, negotiations and intervention, the foundation also provides relieve materials to victims during crisis.
The Chief Executive Officer of ASBESOC, Mr Chibuike Igwe, said the United Nations set aside the day to celebrate those that work for peace building in the world.
“ASBESOC and others are demonstrating the keen interest they have in ensuring peaceful co-existence among all Nigerians.
“We endeavour to involve all stakeholders, especially the law enforcement agencies in Enugu state as the actors on peace building in the nation,” Igwe said.
He said that security was not the work of law enforcement agencies alone and advised Nigerians to be security conscious in all their daily operations.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group distributed leaflets and fliers on peace building during the celebration.
