A criminologist, Mrs Adaonah Uyanwunne, has urged the three tiers of governments to domesticate peace and conflict resolution in various institutions to attain sustainable development.
Uyanwunne made the call at an event to mark the 2023 International Peace Day in Port Harcourt, Rivers on Sunday.
The event was organized by the Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS) of the University of Port Harcourt in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development.
According to her, without peace and security, it would be difficult to attain sustainable development in the society.
“Addressing insecurity starts with social reforms, domesticating peace, calling for negotiations and dialogue within local communities as well as inculcating culture of hard work on the youth.
“It is not enough to give our people palliatives but to create enabling environment in communities for peace to thrive,” she said.
Uyanwunne, who is a Former Enugu State Commissioner for Finance, thanked the university for honouring her with the Center’s Fellow Investiture describing it as a “charge to campaign for peace within the local communities and tertiary institutions.”
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Owunari Georgewill declared that Nigeria and the rest of the world were in dire need of leaders who were peacemakers.
Georgewill said that the International Day of Peace called for collective commitment to championing peace in the society adding that the journey of peace was a collective responsibility for every Nigerian citizen.
In his remarks, the Director, Center for Peace and Security Studies, Prof Martin Ifeanacho, lamented that peace had been elusive in the world with crises ravaging global communities.
The director charged the awardees to use the honour to be ambassadors of peace.
Highlights of the event was the investiture of some dignitaries as Fellow, CPSS, including Adaonah, Prof Benjamin Okaba, President Ijaw National Congress, and Mr Henry Agpodjan, Logistics Manager, Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas.