From Janet John
The Honorable Commissioner, Women Affairs and Social Development, Lami Ahmed, on Tuesday, charged women to be Ambassadors of Peace in this era of looming insecurity.
The commissioner made this call during the maiden Women Summit Organized by Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) Lamurde, in Collaboration with Global Peace Development with Support from Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The Commissioner, represented by the Assistant Director Social Welfare of the Ministry, BIbiana James Goji said women are peacebuilders, reconciliators and advocates of peace.
However, society has continued to exclude them in peacebuilding processes and leadership.
Ahmed enjoined them to utilize the various Associations they belong to promote peaceful coexistence while also raising their children with fear of God so as to stem the rate of crime.
“When there is peace Agricultural Sector, Health Sector and even the Economy will flourish” she asserted.
Also peaking, the Executive Chairman of Lamurde Local Government, Mr Bulus Daniel, ably represented by his Vice , Mr Abraham Sattu lauded the organizers of the Summit as he reiterated his support for the initiative.
“I want to thank the organizers of the summit and I assure you that the Local Government Council will not let it be the last of its kind in Lamurde.
“We will organize it in every part of this LGA God willing, so that other women whom could not witness this can also benefit from such an educative gathering” he added.
In his remark, the Executive Director of Global peace Development, Ebruke Esike said the Summit brings a moment where women voices need to be activated against every form of violence; structural, cultural, direct, psychological and emotional violence thorough collaborative and coordinated engagement among women and male champions.
He explained that the activity was organized under the “Initiative to Enhance Participation of Women Association in Peace Building in Adamawa State” project funded by European Union and British Council purposely to increase Women Participation in Governance and Peace Building Processes to reinforce the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
Esike lamented that women are the worst hit when violence erupts as a result of deep-rooted grievances and unresolved conflicts. However, they are excluded in peace building processes and decision making.
“It is on this premise that the Women Summit is being held as part of WOWICAN LAMURDE’s quest to stimulate critical stakeholders to develop capacities of Women Associations in Peace Building to ensure social cohesion, community resilience and security in Lamurde” he said.
The Women Summit was colorfully celebrated with cultural dances, drama, paper presentations, and interactive sessions among other activities.
