The significance of combating insurgencies and violent extremism using tools of peace campaign and interpersonal cohesion have been sounded. It was,also,stated that youth restiveness,banditry and farmers/herders clashes coupled with pockets of divisiveness can be curbed for us to build a pathway to national cohesion, development and unity in the society.
It was during a Nationwide Peace Campaign held by the National Orientation Agency(NOA),Imo State Directorate at the Umuguma Town Hall, Owerri West L.G.A. of Imo State that these concerns were raised. The event was themed,”One-day Conference on Pathway to National Cohesion, Development and Unity”. Speaking during the conference,the State Director of the National Orientation Agency(NOA),Imo State Directorate,Mrs.StellaMaris Oparaugo explained that the objectives of the programme was to sensitise Nigerians to the importance of unity, peaceful coexistence and cohesion to achieving national development.She added that Government seeks to enlighten communities on the need for mutual interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution. She stated that there was a need for citizens to understand the benefits of cultural diversity and ending regional divides.
Mrs.Oparaugo noted that the National Orientation Agency(NOA) recognises the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to ensure development across the country while identifying the various and specific challenges faced by the diverse ethnic groups that strengthen the nation.
The Traditional Ruler; Youth Leader; President General and Woman Leader Umuguma Town,HRH Eze Dr.G.N.Ugorji(Ohamereze IV),Hon.John Njoku, Hon.Blessing Okpareke and Hon.Mrs.Josephine Njoku individually extolled the Agency for seeking to foster a sense of national identity and unity in diversity. On his part,the Divisional Police Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Umuguma,SP Chukwudi.R.Nnacheta called on the youthful population to support the Government in promoting tolerance among Nigeria’s diverse populations. The Nigeria Immigration Service,Imo State Command; Department of State Security,Imo State Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Umuguma Division were among other Security Agencies that graced the conference.
The NOA Imo State Director,also,spoke on the various schemes of the Government that develops the Youths. Mrs.StellaMaris harped on the promotion of intercommunity dialogue, empowerment of the Youths to be agents of change and inculcation of the values of selfreliance.
