The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, governors of various states, service chiefs and several others are set to receive Sustainable Peace Awards from the Peace Building Development Consult (PBDC).
The Peace Building Development Consult (PBDC) was established to advocate for, develop and promote a deeper understanding of peace and reconciliation around the world.
The organisation began in 2004 as a research group seeking to explore a wide range of conflict- and peace-related issues, with particular focus on Africa and Africans in the diaspora.
The Convener of PBDC, Kayode Bolaji, disclosed this to Tribune Online on Sunday while speaking on the importance of sustainable peace for the development of Nigeria.
Speaking on the rationale behind the awards, Bolaji said those promoting peace should be encouraged to sustain their efforts.
He noted that the country would have been in a worse situation without the contributions of individuals who have dedicated their lives to promoting sustainable peace.
The convener added that Nigeria needs more people to support peacebuilding efforts, stressing that the best way to achieve this is by recognising those already making sacrifices.
“We want to celebrate people who have contributed to peace in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. If people are not encouraged, they will feel reluctant to continue.
“Even though our country looks tense at the moment, without the support of some people, it could have been worse.
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“These are people who have dedicated their lives to ensuring they focus on sustainable peace in Nigeria.
“Our country needs more people to support peacebuilding efforts. The best way is to encourage those who are already doing it.
“Such efforts are often not visible when they are being made. It is a long process. Remember, change doesn’t come easily but comes through sustained effort,” he said.