Dr Garba Abari, Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday in Abuja urged all Nigerians to be ambassadors of peace to build a strong and united nation.
Abari made the call at an award ceremony organised by the Arewa Youth Consultative Council (AYCC) in honour of Dr Josephine Oghale-Abraham, the founder of Love to the World Initiative.
The award was in recognition of her exceptional role in peace building.
Abari, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Legal Services, Mr Williams Dogo, said that Nigeria needed peace to become a developed country.
“Though positive things are being said about you, what Nigeria needs now is peace; peace and peace.
“We in NOA have the imperative of peace building; that is why in the past three years, we are implementing a programme called Building a People of Peace.”
The director general urged all Nigerians to emulate the exceptional qualities of the awardee in peace building across the country.
Speaking, President of AYCC, Amb. Zaid Ayuba, said that the council had observed the philanthropic and nation building efforts of Oghale-Abraham and had come to appreciate her.
He said the council had recognised her efforts in educational sponsorships, assistance on healthcare, feeding the orphans, widows and supporting the financially challenged individuals in various communities.
“You are a dedicated mentor to youth and aspiring young entrepreneurs.
“You believe in the power of education and entrepreneurship to transform society through empowering young people, ” he said..
Responding, Oghale-Abraham said that as she was going about her activities without knowing that a day of recognition was coming,
“I have heard about AYCC and read about their activities but never thought of an award from them.
“Being a southerner and receiving an award from a northern group showed that a lot of narratives being paddled about relationships in the country are incorrect.”
She said that the story about hate, divisions and religious differences driven mostly by politicians did not exist in reality.
The awardee said that she had declined many awards in the past for lack of merit by the organisers.
“Nigeria is our project and with this group of youths, you can tell that there is hope for Nigeria; the North and South will be united and Nigeria will be great again.
“We can start by just loving one another; if we do not love and have respect for one another, we will not be loved and respected internationally, ” she said.
She thanked the organisers for the gesture, adding that she was dedicating the award to every Nigerian who was selfless and committed to promoting the cause of Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Source: News Agency of Nigeria