As the world prepares ahead of the forthcoming 2024 International Day of Peace, a global peace advocacy group known as the International Association Of World Peace Advocates, IAWPA, has announced that it will present the prestigious International Eminent Peace Ambassador Award to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Interfaith Matters, Reverend (Dr) Femi Ibikunle confirmed this to westernmirror.com.ng on Monday, September 16.
It would be recalled that Governor Makinde, as part of efforts to entrench the culture of religious balance and harmony, secured a legislation for the official Gazette and unprecedented recognition of August 20 as annual Isese Day.
This move has since officially recognized traditional worship as a religion in the state. This has also culminated into recognition of traditional worshipers at state and local government functions across the state.
Rev Ibikunle also disclosed that Ambassador Emmanuel Niece, International Spokesman for the organization has communicated the development to the public in a press statement made available to neesmen in Abuja.
The governor’s aide also stated that the International Management Team of the global body decided to appoint the Oyo State Governor as an Eminent Peace Ambassador which makes him the only governor in Nigeria to receive such award in year 2024.
Rev Ibikunle noted that the recognition was not unconnected with Makinde’s sterling performance in terms of maintaining harmonious and peaceful coexistence among all religious faiths in the state under his administration.
He quoted the organization as commending some of the Nigerian governors peace efforts in their various states.
According to Rev Ibikunle, the group said aside improving peaceful coexistence with the people of the state, the Makinde has also made achievements in the area of ensuring gender balance in all decision-making positions.
While stressing the importance of such to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals SDG of the United Nations, Rev Ibikunle further quoted Amb Nkweke as saying that “Oyo State Government has encouraged inclusive participation in policy and decision making and has also done much also in the area of promoting Child rights in the state.
Considering the commitment to the SDG programmes, Rev Ibikunle said Governor Makinde has proved why he deserves the award and was subsequently selected for it.
He said the group has confirmed that the award presentation would take place at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan on Thursday the 26th of September 2024.
Similarly, the Oyo State Director of the association Amb. Dr. Muhammed- Lawal Musa Alongbija said that the state is set to welcome the World Peace President, His Excellency, Amb. Per Stafen and his team to Oyo State adding that the state in recent past has recorded good number of Peace advocates and Eminent Peace Ambassadors justifying the state’s peaceful disposition and readiness in promoting unity and harmony in Nigeria.