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Nigerian Ambassadors for Peace Attend Seminar on the Principles of Peace
Written by Raphael Ogar Oko, secretary general, UPF-Nigeria
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Owerri, Nigeria—More than 80 Ambassadors for Peace including religious leaders, traditional rulers, politicians, educators and peace activists as well as government representatives drawn from the South East and South South zones of Nigeria attended a 3-day special seminar on UPF’s Principles of Peace in Owerri, Imo State with a resolution to work together toward ensuring that Nigeria achieves Peace Vision 2020 for bringing world harmony.
The participants resolved to promote the UPF peace principles, participate in the Interfaith Peace Blessing and champion the building of peaceful tribes and communities as peace leaders. The seminar, which was held at the De Legend Hotels, Owerri, June 29 – July 1, 2017 was designed as part of the nationwide education seminar series to empower Ambassadors for Peace to take active leadership responsibilities in the ongoing nationwide programs and the Communities for Peace initiative, including how to work with religious leaders, traditional rulers and governmental agencies on marriage and family building as well as community peace and development programs.
Topics covered included the Universal Peace Principles, the Root Causes of Conflict, Principles of Reconciliation, Marriage and Family, and Strategies for Establishment and Management of College Peace Clubs and Community Peace Councils. A presentation on the mission and life of the UPF Founders was included in the agenda.
Participants travelled from different states to Owerri, Imo State and arrived on June 29. The first day of the seminar featured orientation and the opening ceremony with an introduction to peace education (conflict resolution, democracy education, human rights), which was followed by presentations on UPF’s peace principles and the root causes of conflict as crucial for sustainable peace building. There were periodic short breaks and interactive discussion sessions.
The second day’s program began with an early morning gathering to read speeches of the UPF founders, including one entitled, “The Mission of the Ambassadors for Peace in the Revolutionary Era after the Coming of Heaven.” Participants were inspired by the content and were pleased to learn they were designated as “Special Emissaries,” called to build God’s ideal peaceful world on earth. Lectures continued after breakfast and lasted until about 8 p.m.
Special Envoy to Nigeria, Rev. Park Shang Seon, Rev. George M. Ogurie, national president, FFWPU – Nigeria, and Dr. George C. Ikpot, secretary general, Professors World Peace Academy – Nigeria were the lead resource persons while Dr. Raphael Ogar Oko, secretary general, UPF-Nigeria coordinated the seminar sessions.
The closing session featured reflections by participants, a congratulatory message by the representative of the Deputy Governor of Imo State and a member of the Imo State House of Assembly. One of the participants, a traditional ruler in Imo State and Ambassador for Peace was so inspired that he announced his community elders and chiefs will specially honor the UPF Founders with the highest recognition award in the community in an event to be held in December 2017. He pledged to mobilize his community to participate in the Interfaith Peace Blessing and ensure that his community becomes one of the peace kingdoms in Nigeria. Some VIPs were also issued with a certificate of recognition as Ambassadors for Peace. All of the participants received a certificate of participation. Participants requested a follow up seven-day workshop and an Interfaith Peace Blessing for the Ambassadors for Peace couples.
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