Peace Club of Government Girls Science Secondary School Cham, Balanga Local Government Area on Tuesday commemorated International Day of Peace.
Our correspondent reports that September 21 every year is set aside to commemorate the importance of peace in the world.
2024 has the theme; ‘Cultivating a culture of peace’.
Lauding a delegation of Women Peace and Security Network led by Hajiya Halima Mahdi, Mrs Aishatu Ismaila-Haruna, Principal of GGSSS harped on the importance of peace.
Assuring that GSSS is committed to instilling the needed morals in the students, club members towards promoting peaceful co-existence among themselves, community members, state and the country.
“We thank you for your visit. We will continue to do our best in training the children to be ambassadors of peace. We can’t overemphasise the importance of peace to development,” she added.
On her part, Lead mentor Hajiya Halima Mahdi, disclosed that the sensitisation on peace was a collaboration between UN Women, Cleen Foundation with support from Norwegian Embassy.
She said, “This 2024 International Peace Day, school sensitisation on importance of peace in Gombe is key.
“The idea is to catch you young and instill the culture of peace. Religion should be in the heart between your yourself and your God.”
While emphasising the essence of peace despite religious, tribal differences Mahdi added, “Embrace your sister, your neighbour. It’s good to know a little bit of the two religions, growing up i used to accompany my close school mate that is a Christian to prayer meetings.Don’t be too proud, be humble and endeavour to forgive people.”
Also speaking, CLEEN Foundation Programme Officer, Mr Nnamdi Odo, while explaining the benefits of peace noted that there is no absolute peace adding that “relative peace is usually what is most of the time present because if you check within the community there is one conflict or the other.”
Odo called for forgiveness, stressing that as an ingredient of existence, “Forgiveness is not an option. It’s compulsory to forgive people. To even remain in marriage you must continue to forgive. The benefit of having peace can’t be overemphasised. Peace is key to your development and progress,” he added.
The Programme Officer said, “Cultism is not good; If it’s doesn’t concern you it will concern you later. Report to your teachers if you know them don’t say it’s not your business.”
Highlight of the event was a drama presentation by Peace Club members with the title ‘The need for peaceful co-existence’.
