Abuja, Nigeria—Nigerian Ambassadors for Peace attended a ceremony honoring the third anniversary of the passing of UPF Founder Dr. Sun Myung Moon.
The August 30, 2015, ceremony was held by UPF-Nigeria at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Abuja, the capital, together with the Nigerian branch of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU). The event took place as part of a worldwide commemoration for Dr. Moon (1920-2012), with the main celebration being held in the Republic of Korea.
About 40 people attended the ceremony, which was dedicated to the ideal of “Living in peace to be able to rest in peace,” as taught by Dr. Moon. The program was organized to inspire the Ambassadors for Peace not only to understand the work of the UPF founder but also to carry his legacy forward and seek to practice the ideal of living for the sake of others.
UPF-Nigeria Secretary General Dr. Raphael Ogar Oko served as the master of ceremonies. The event began with a musical performance of motivational songs for peace by Mr. Bright Perekpo that reminded the guests that it was not a period to mourn the passing of Dr. Moon but to celebrate his universal legacy of peace.
Dr. George Ikpot, the executive director of UPF-Nigeria’s Office of International Affairs, gave the welcome address in which he explained the purpose and significance of the event. He urged the Ambassadors for Peace to ensure that, from 2016 on, the anniversary of Dr. Moon’s passing will be commemorated annually at the national level.
Rev. George M. Ogurie, president of FFWPU-Nigeria, gave the keynote address about the life and legacy of Dr. Moon. He spoke passionately as he related his personal experiences with the UPF founder. His talk was periodically applauded by the participants, who were moved by the diversity of the UPF founder’s activities and his commitment to the realization of world peace.
Rev. Ogurie also urged all the Ambassadors for Peace to sincerely appreciate the UPF founder for his devotion to heaven and desire to return the earth to its original ideal. He emphasized the key points of the teachings of Dr. Moon and in particular the ideal of living for the sake of others, which is the solution to the many challenges that our world and nation are facing.
Young adult members of FFWPU-Nigeria offered an inspiring song that moved the Ambassadors for Peace to appreciate how Dr. Moon is raising a new generation of peaceful citizens. The entertainment was followed by a video presentation on the activities of the UPF founder around the world. Participants were amazed that an individual could work so hard to bring religions, races and nations together as well as investing in many areas of human life. Some of the participating Ambassadors for Peace testified to the impact of Dr. Moon’s teachings on their lives and commended his exemplary peaceful life. It was resolved that the 2016 commemoration will be held in Nigeria as a national-level program that will bring leaders of religions, government, business, women and youth, among others, to attend with Ambassadors for Peace.
Mr. Chris Anthony Ogbonna was inducted as an Ambassador for Peace at the event.