By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As the 3 days Southern Kaduna Peace Summit which started yesterday in Kafanchan continues, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Rev. Yakubu has likened Peace as the gift of God to mankind.Rev. Pam, converner of the Southern Kaduna Peace Summit during the opening ceremony of the 3 day event said that” peace is not given by magic,it is a gift to mankind and for each other, adding that it is only those who give peace that have peace.” ” Peace is a two -way affair, you give peace ,to receive peace.”
He admonished that forgiveness is key for enduring peace any where in the world, and Southern Kaduna is not an exception.He urged the aggrieved persons to forgive those that had caused them pain, as he stressed that love is an act of endless forgiveness.It is not easy to forgive, but remember that harbouring the resentment will only aggravate your pains, he pleaded .
The NCPC boss explained that conflict is an inevitable factor in human existence, but if properly managed it can effectively improve the social relationships of all parties involved. He urged government to go beyond the initial phase of containing trouble spots, but to pay adequate attention to conflict prevention and management which underscores the importance of the peace summit.
He emphasized that the aim of the summit is to discuss and proffer peace in Southern Kaduna through dialogue and negotiations as well as enhanced participation amongst all participating stakeholders.
He said, ” with deep sense of concern my heart bleeds whenever I hear of killings and banditry especially othe vulnrerable people anywhere in the world.
The theme of the three day peace summit is “The De Escalation of conflict in Southern Kaduna and the way forward”.
Daybreak reports that personalities who presented papers on conflict resolutions, include Prof .Suleiman Elias Bogoro, the Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund TETFUND among others. The peace summit ends on 10th September with a communique for implementation
