As Nigeria joined the global community to mark the International Day of Parliamentarism, the United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC) has called for strengthened national efforts to build peace, advance gender equality, and promote inclusive governance.

The event culminated in the recognition of 64 distinguished individuals across the country, including the Tutor-General of Ondo Central, Mrs. Owoka Adedamilola Adebimpe, who was honoured with the Mary Slessor Women of Peace Award for her dedication to peacebuilding and leadership in education.

Held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, the high-level forum centered on the theme: “Achieving Gender Equality” and served as a platform to amplify the roles of women in fostering peace and democratic development.

Delivering the keynote address, UN-POLAC Country President, Engr. Peter Ohagwa, underscored the importance of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its global Culture of Peace initiative.

He acknowledged the critical contributions of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and women’s advocacy networks in bridging gender gaps and empowering women as peace agents.

Speaking on behalf of the Director General, Prof. Halo Eton, Deputy Country President Dr. Zaccheaus Ogunsanya warned that persistent ethnic tensions, religious divisions, and insecurity continue to undermine democratic progress in Nigeria.

He emphasized the urgent need for collective national action involving faith-based organizations, traditional leaders, civil society, and the private sector to address the root causes of conflict and promote dialogue across communities.

Dr. Ogunsanya stated how UN-POLAC remains committed to peace advocacy, humanitarian service, and the positive transformation of individuals and society.

The event’s highlight was the award presentation, where Mrs. Owoka Adedamilola Adebimpe was among the recipients recognized for their exceptional contributions to community development and peace advocacy.

Though her written goodwill message, she expressed gratitude for her recognition and delivered a message steeped in faith and hope, blending a call for peace with spiritual reflection.

Quoting lyrics inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, her message read in part:

“Lord, we pray for golden peace, peace all over the land… Banish fear and ignorance, hunger, thirst and pain. Banish hate and poverty.  Let no man live in vain.”

She concluded her message with a heartfelt prayer:

“We are praying that we all may find the path to our Maker who is the Author and the Prince of Peace, so that we may be equipped to bring many to enjoy His peace now and in eternity.”

Secretary General of UN-POLAC, Dr. Patricia Agu, affirmed that the awardees were selected based on their proven impact in promoting integrity, peace building, and female leadership, stating how they are setting a standard for others to follow, as peace builders, change makers, and role models in their communities.

The ceremony drew participation from top government officials, traditional rulers, civil society leaders, and international observers, reinforcing the message that peace and inclusive leadership are cornerstones for sustainable development.

UN-POLAC, established to promote positive living, global understanding, and grassroots peace advocacy, continues to champion the appointment of community-based peace advocates in line with the United Nations’ vision of a more just, peaceful, and inclusive world.

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