The national commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dickson Akoh has passed a vote of confidence on President Buhari and endorsed him for a second term in office.
Speaking at the End of Year and Award Ceremony of the Corps, Akoh called on Nigerians to allow president Buhari another term to finalise major developmental projects which he had begun.
The ceremony was tagged: “Rural Sustainability and Nation Building: The Roles of Social Organisations”.
Speaking at the event, the National Commandant expressed worry at the level of criticisms against the administration, stressing that the corps was of the strongest conviction that President Buhari’s administration was on the right track.
“If you have been in leadership position in the past or currently in leadership, you will agree with me that change, ideal revolution and sustainable development cannot be achieved overnight.
“Genuine changes worldwide, though painful and difficult to achieve, can only be attained through collective prayers, hardwork, deliberate commitment and high level of patriotism,” he said.
Akoh said also that for the much needed even-development to take place in the country, it was important to re-examine the near absence of social infrastructures in the rural areas.
He urged the government and well meaning Nigerians to make concerted effort towards the provision of basic infrastructures in the grassroots to reduce the challenges of rural-urban migration.
“For rural sustainability to be guaranteed, not only the government but social organisations and philanthropic individuals should endeavor to assist in this regard,” he said.
Akoh said pledged the Corps complete commitment to promoting post conflict resolution, confidence-building and institutional cooperation with all government security agencies in the interest of nation building.
Giving the keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Micheal Adigbu said that the development of rural areas was indeed critical for sustainable development of any country.
Adigbu, who was represented by Prof. Solomon Ogbu, Dept of Political Science and International Relations, Uni. Abuja, said that the Peace Corps was strategically poised to ensure that youths, especially in rural areas are meaningfully engaged.
“I believe that when President Buhari signs the Peace Corps Bill, which has already been passed by the National Assembly, it will compliment the effort of the police and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“Where the police will use force, the Peace Corps will use tact and diplomacy to settle disputes so that both parties can part happily with no winner or loser.
“This strategy is especially needed in our universities and colleges to ensure prompt and appropriate responses to disputes before they escalate.
“I believe that Peace Corps will have a strong role to play in curtailing cases of exam malpractices, kidnappings, theft, rape and other abhorrent occurrences found in our societies these days,” he said.
Adigbu also said that the greatest benefit of the Peace Corps was its capability to offer meaningful employment to the millions of restless unemployed youths in the country.
“This will empower them with gainful skills and prepare them for meaningful leadership in future,” he said.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of International Peace Medal to people who have made impact in the country, in their various fields.
Some of the recipients were: Senior Special Advicer to President Buhari on Youth, Alh. Nasir Adhama, music icon, Zakki Azay, among others.
