By Shina Badmus
A Nigeria based Non Governmental Organisation, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) on Friday, September 20, had another impressive show in Lagos where the NGO commemorated the annual International Day of Peace in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre, UNIC, and Lagos State Ministry of Environment.
The peace event drew participants from the academia, organized private sector, the media, military and para-military organizations, as well as youth corps members.
Secondary school students who formed a larger part of the audience were sensitised on the need for them to become change agents in evolving a safer and sustainable environment.
This year’s outing featured speeches, paper and drama presentations, as well as various dance displays. At the occasion, pervaded by a convivial atmosphere, uniformed men, the civil society and students interacted very freely and friendly in line with the theme of this year’s event, “Climate Actions for Peace.”
On hand to receive dignitaries at the event was the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade who spoke on how climate action could foster peace in the environment.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Mr. Bolaji Ariyo, represented by his deputy, Hon, Daisi Osoba, commended CEPEJ and UNIC for organizing the successful event.
In a keynote address, the Director of the United Nations Information Centre, Mr. Roland Kayanja described CEPEJ as a reliable NGO worth collaborating with and supporting.
Three papers were presented by officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment. The first one entitled “Importance of Women and Girls in Decision Making in Addressing Climate Change Impact” was presented by Mrs. Olubolanle Odubena. The second paper titled the “Critical Importance of Resilience to Addressing Climate Change Impact”
was delivered by Mrs Toyin Oguntola, while the third paper presented by Mrs. Kudirat Ogunmola asked the question, “What Actions can be Taken to Create the Enabling Frameworks and Incentives at all Levels to Encourage Increased Engagement of the State, the Private Sector, Cities and Regions, in Climate Action?
The event also featured the presentation of the Success Story of CEPEJ, by Mrs Victoria Ajayi, the Communications and Advocacy Manager of CEPEJ, Lagos Office.
In addition, goodwill messages were presented by representatives of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Lagos State Ministry of Education, National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, FRSC Lagos Command, VIO Lagos State, the Lagos State Chapter of NURTW, as well as NYSC, Lagos State, amongst others which supported the peace programme.
The event was rounded off with the presentation of awards of recognition to UNIC in Nigeria, the Ministry of Environment, Chevron Nigeria, NURTW, and Lagos State Bus Services.
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