Mallam Nuhu Ribadu
ABUJA—Former Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Mallam Nuhu Ribadu called on Nigerians to join hands in protecting the nation and rebuilding a peaceful Nigeria at the opening of the Global Peace Leadership Conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on November 7, 2013.
Addressing the Welcoming Banquet, Mr. Ribadu laid special emphasis on the role of women in peacemaking and also acknowledged the contributions of religious leaders in resolving conflict in the West African nation of 170 million. Making a passionate call for collaboration from the international community, he said, “We want those who know how to build peace to come and support Nigeria in this trying period. I see peace returning to Nigeria very, very soon.”
The wife of the Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hajiya Amina Sambo, told invited guests that “peace has become a link to development in Nigeria.” She also commended the practical steps taken by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges. “These bold steps deserve commendation and the support of Nigerians,” she said.
Hajiya Amina Sambo, wife of the Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria and Grand Patron of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, addresses the Welcome Banquet.
Hajiua Sambo, who serves as the Grand Patron of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, also extended greetings from First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Chairperson of the African Peace Mission. “She sends her love to the delegates and wish you happy deliberations in our quest for lasting peace in Nigeria,” Hajia Sambo told the gathering.
In other goodwill messages, the founding President of Seychelles Sir James Mancham commended Nigeria for hosting the 2013 Global Peace Leadership Conference and said he looked forward to “peace reigning globally” in all the nations of the world.
Former President of Zanzibar Amani A. Karume said “it is time for political and religious leaders to join hands and sensitize the populace on the need for peaceful co-existence.”
Global Peace Leadership Conference
Dr Ponzhi Golwa, the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, which is co-sponsoring the three-day Global Peace Leadership Conference with the Global Peace Foundation, called on Nigerians and participants to resolve to “do something for peace by putting our thoughts into action and above all see ourselves as one big family under God.”
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Bala Mohammed, represented by a Senior Special Assistant, praised the organizers of the conference and emphasized that the theme and timing of the conference were especially significant for advancing peace in Nigeria.
The Global Peace Leadership Conference, “Moral and Innovative Leadership: Building Sustainable Peace for a Prosperous Future,” hosted by the Global Peace Foundation, began in 2009 by Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, convenes from November 7-9, 2013 at the Sheraton Hotel in Abuja.
—Reported by Joy Idam and Oloyede Oworu, GPF Nigeria
