Following her interventionist role in the enthronement of peace in the country, as well as the continent, a group, Face of Democracy Organisation (FDO), yesterday, bestowed on the wife of Nigeria’s President, Dame Patience Jonathan, ‘Mother of Peace Award’.
The recognition, which came at a time the country is in dire pursuit of peace, took place at this year’s National Peace Summit in Abuja, a brain child of the reigning Queen of Democracy Advocate, Chioma Onyekaba.
Receiving the award on behalf of Patience, Sebibo Rafael, who also represented the First Lady at the summit, mentioned that as the country’s democracy is being strengthened, the watchword for every citizen should be peace, a panacea to sustainable development.
“Without peace, there will be no meaningful development, without peace, there will not be sustainable development and we should believe in peaceful coexistence in the country.”
Sebibo also described Dr. Patience as peace advocate, who goes about the continent to preach peace, which he said has earned her the appellation, ‘Mama Africa.’
In the meantime, the First Lady, who thanked the organisers of the programme for counting her worthy for the award, called on Nigerians to preach peace even as the 2015 elections draw closer.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Professor Ahmed Alkali Rufai, who was a special guest at the event, said that Africa was determined to building a sustainable democracy and without peace, genuine democracy can hardly be achieved and sustained.
Although, he pointed out that most countries in the continent are often faced with issues of insecurity and instability while he remains confident that proper understanding of differences is a sure way towards building peace in the country.
In her reaction, the reigning Face of Democracy Advocate, Chioma Rosemary Onyekaba, who expressed delight on the success of the peace programme, called on Nigerian youths to pursue their dreams in order to bring to reality their aspirations.
On the coming 2015 general polls, she said, “You should not allow politicians to use and dump you or even give you stipends for your vote.”
She however, promised that she would do everything in her life time to contribute her quota towards bridging the peace gap in the country.
Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of awards to deserving Nigerians for their contribution in the enthronement of peace and development in the country.
Source: Daily Newswatch
