Nigerian Newsday

]By Adako Aselema

The chairman of Lafia East Development Area, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, has said that the International Peace Ambassador award conferred on him recently would spur him to put more effort to ensure peaceful and rapid development of his area.

Alhaji Alkali stated this to newsmen shortly after he received the award from the Universal Peace Federation, Nigeria, last week at Ibrahim Abacha Youth Centre, Lafia.

He said the award was an indication that the policies and programmes of his administration were making the desired positive impact on the people.

He appealed to his people to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during the voters’ registration exercise now going-on, as well as during the forthcoming general elections.

Other recipients of the peace award included the Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai I, Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hajiya Aishatu Rufa’i Ibrahim, Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Hamza Elayo, Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Charity Agule and Commissioner of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Silas Agara.

Others were Permanent Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Silas Dachor Aliyu Anvulanza, the former provost, College of Education, Akwanga, Rev. Musa Bawa.

In his remark, the visiting International Ambassador for Peace, United States of America, Dr. Williams Reverly, called on Nigerians to shun conflicts and work towards the success of 2007 elections.

He advised Nigerians to put behind them years of corruption, crimes, HIV/AIDS, poverty and malaria and to develop the country.

He charged the awardees to show the world that Nigerians has absolute peace.

He also commended the contributions of Governor Abdullahi Adamu for adequate development of the state.

He said that the award was bestowed on Governor Adamu because of the developmental strides of his administration.

He also prayed that God grant Nasarawa State Peace and Unity.

Meanwhile, he described the founder of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Ham Moon as people who have love and kindness for mankind, adding that Rev. Moon has his peace movement in 120 countries.

He said Rev. Moon has dedicated his life for the services of human beings worldwide.

He called on the people to live a righteous life for the sake of others by doing the right thing at all times.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Silas Dachor assured the Universal Peace Federation of their determination to do their best towards ensuring peace in the society.

He said the award was a call for them to do more to their people.

He prayed to God Almighty to guard all participants and Nasarawa people to live in harmony with one another.