PROF OMENUGHA HARPS ON IMPORTANCE OF PEACE TO HUMANITY, DESCRIBES IT AS ACT OF EVANGELISM
By Chizoba Njaka :
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Kate Omenugha
has said that promoting peace and harmony is a form of evangelism, spreading love, kindness, and compassion.
Professor Omenugha stated this while delivering her paper, ‘Culture of Peace’, during the Annual Peace Advocate and Convention and the groundbreaking ceremony of the Peace and Leadership Centre’s multi-purpose building project, held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Awka.
According to Prof Omenugha, a culture of peace can only be achieved through the dedicated efforts of individuals. She emphasized that it requires a collective commitment, starting with one person and spreading to the entire society.
The former Commissioner for Basic Education stressed that conflict and lack of understanding would not bring peace but would only result to disorderliness in both families, society and the nation, adding that peace is paramount in everyone’s life.
She further noted that the absence of a culture of peace is a root cause of global crises. She emphasized that failing to cultivate peace has far-reaching consequences, particularly in Nigeria, where neglecting the law has led to more harm than good. This neglect, she stressed, has a profound impact on youth development, infrastructure, health, and the overall social wellbeing of young people, perpetuating cycles of suffering and hindering progress.
Professor Omenugha emphasized that children, the future leaders of tomorrow, deserve attention and investment for positive change. However, parents often prioritize exam success over genuine education, promoting malpractice and special centers.
She however, warned that a good citizen of the nation must endeavour to take part and be law abiding to make things work perfectly for the government and avoid any form of social vices.
She urged citizens to take responsibility, be law-abiding, and shun social vices to support the government. To embrace peace, she advocated for creating a society with justice and equity, where inter-ethnic dialogue, education, and responsible media promotion of peace are prioritized.
“For peace to exist we need to create a society where there is justice and equity.”
She stressed the importance of proactive justice, conscious language usage, and avoiding inflammatory words that can spark violence or problems. By working together, we can establish peace and foster a better future.
* Njaka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
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