Peace is fast becoming a scarce commodity in our contemporary world judging by the incessant occurrences of conflicts, terrorism insurgency, violence and allied abuses of the vulnerable. In light of this the African Peace Magazine, UK, decided to award persons who have contributed their quota to Peace Building and development in the African Region and abroad
There is no doubt that the African Peace Award organized by the African Peace Magazine is a landmark in the search for peace in Africa and globally.
It is often said that where this is peace there must be development.
With regards to the above, the Editor- in- Chief of the African Peace Magazine and the initiator of the African Peace Awards, Mr. Noah Ajare Esq. in an exclusive interview with the African Peace Magazine (APM), said it is time for Africa and indeed the world to change the narratives of war, conflicts and violence and the likes to peace by giving honour to whom honour is due to in peace building.
Ajare said, ‘The essence of organizing and hosting the African Peace Award is to recognize peace builders from Africa, at home and in Diaspora and to encourage them in what they are doing to change the narratives of conflict in Africa and elsewhere.
He added that, it is to recognize people who have contributed in one way or the other to ensuring that we have peace in the country, the African Region and at the global level.”
Ajare said that the 2021 African Peace Award has recognized Africans, both at home and in Diaspora in countries like the US, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and all over the African Region.
According to Ajare, the news trends is all about war, crime and all forms of negativity, so there is an urgent need to change this narratives, we need to begin to talk about peace by encouraging persons who have contributed in ensuring we have peaceful co-existence.
Ajare also made note to add that the award is also for those who have showcased issues that are devoid of violence.”
The objective behind the award which is an annual event, he emphasised is promote peace in the world.
One of the awardees, Tunde Babalola( SAN), son of Aare Afe Babalola who was honour with Award was grateful to the Board and Management of the African Peace Magazine UK, the Organisers of 2021 African Peace Awards and particularly to Noah Ajare Esq. (Editor in Chief African Peace Magazine UK), for recognizing his contribution to peace initiatives and by honouring him with the prestigious African Peace Award, 2021.
He commended the efforts of the African Peace Magazine UK in promoting peace in the continent.
Tunde Babalola SAN also appreciated his father, Aare Afe Babalola, who is undoubtedly a symbol of peace and development and Justice Galadima JSC, Chairman of the organizing Committee of the Award.
He noted that promotion of peace is the service to humanity, promotion of good governance and Rule of Law is highly recommendable.
The First Lady of Kwara State, Dr. Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq who is also an Ambassador of peace in Nigeria was honoured for promoting peace and development in her homestate through her non-governmental organization the Ajike People’s Support Centre which has empowered over 2,000 women, youth, and children.
Abdulrazaq in her appreciation speech thanked the African Peace Magazine for recognizing her work towards creating peace and said that it would further drive her vision in the mist of the continuous conflict challenges in Africa.
She said, “I thank you for seeing our efforts which further gives us a place to drive our passion.”
Chief Mike Ozokheme (SAN), another African Peace Award recipient said that the African Peace Award is a good initiative by the African Peace Magazine UK and it is coming at a time when Nigerians and Africans generally need to go back to the drawing board of government giving the people social justice, mutual understanding, egalitarian, religious, ethnic and linguistic tolerance for one another.
He lamented that Nigeria is placed on the tripod of Hausa/ Fulan, Yoruba and Igbo instead putting the interest of the 384 ethnic groups together.
Chief Ozekhome said, ” The reason we do not have peace in Nigeria is because some Nigerians believe that they are the masters and lord over others while others are created to be drawers of water and hewers of wood to massage their bloated ego.
He lamented that insecurity started in Nigeria because of failure of successive governments to integrate people who feel they are alienated and excluded from the scheme of things.
Speaking further on the way forward for Nigeria’s peace, unity and peaceful co-existence the legal expert and opinion leader advised that instead of pretending that all is well, ” we must not take our unity and diversity for granted that we are inseparable, but we must nurture our unity.
He commended the African Peace Magazine UK for talking about peace at this time and for honouring those they believe have contributed to peace like him.
It will encourage some of us who have being practising peace over the years that our little contributions to national development are being appreciated.
The first Lady of Nigeria Dr Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari who was ably represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity (Office of the First Lady),, Mallam Aliyu Abdullahi communicated the First Lady’s appreciation for the African Peace Award and commended the management team for the good work in recognising Africans who have contributed to the peace and development of the Continent.
Present at the African Peace Awards were the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, General Secretary, Mrs Joyz Odua, President of ECOWAS Court, Hon Justice Edward Amoaka Asante, Hon Justice Stella Amukam of African Court of Human and Peoples Right, Prof Abubakar Musa Kundiri, J.S. Okutepa SAN, Pastor (Dr) Bunmi Alabi, Dr. Sarah Jibril, H.E First Lady of Taraba State, Her Excellency, Barr Anna Mbasugun Darius Ishaku, Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha Esq, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, Alhaji Ahmed A Raji SAN, Prof Bolaji Owasonye SAN, Tijani Gazali SAN, Prince Abdulateef Fagbemi SAN, Chief Akin Olujinmi SAN, Chief Godwin Obla SAN, Mr. Damian D. Dodo SAN, Asiwaju Awomola SAN amongst others