Date Published: 09/02/10

U.N. Awards Governor Uduaghan, Best Governor promoting grassroot peace and development in Niger Delta, A.I.G. Felix Ogbaudu, Bashorun Askia Ogieh and Nine others - Being Press Released by Dr. Lewis Akpogena, Delta State Coordinator, United Nations POLAC Peace Programme

At Nelrose Hotels Asaba on 24 th July 2010 the United Nations POLAC Peace Programme, a non – governmental organization established in 2011 in keeping with United Nations General Assembly Declaration on International Decade for Peace and Non-violence conferred Awards on some distinguished Nigerians. The occasion had in attendance the International Director for Africa, His Excellency, Obong Halo B. Eton, Deputy International Director, His Excellency, Bishop Prof. Chidi Ehiriodo, and others.

At the occasion United Nations POLAC Peace Programme conferred on the Government of Delta State His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, Best Government on promoting grassroot Peace in Niger Delta. He was unavoidably absence. The award shall be presented at Government House Asaba at a later date. Other recipients of Ambassadors for Peace award were: Her Excellency, Amb. (Mrs.) Roli Sheila Uduaghan for her achievement through Mastercare Foundation, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr Felix Ogbaudu (Esq), Senator Thompson Abiye Sekibo, Hon. (Mrs) Catherine O. IIlolo (JP), Chief Solomon Ogba (JP), Sir Chief Dr. P. C. Obakponovwe (JP), Hon. (Chief) Joseph Emeke Ukpe, Sir Chief (Dr.) Samuel H. Owonte, Chief Gift B. Worukwo, and His Grace Most Rev. (Dr.) Obomanu Benjamin Aladuwari (JP

In a Press Release by Delta State Coordinator of United Nations POLAC Peace Programme, Dr. Lewis Akpogena explained that United Nations POLAC Peace Programme has been working in Nigeria for approximately ten years during the time it has established itself as the primary exponent of the “button up” participatory development process, on the topic PARTICIPATION DEVELOPMENT JUSTICE AND PEACE. United Nations POLAC highly experienced team consisting of approximately 1.5 volunteers is committed to enlighten people and Government of the need of full participation in community development and providing justice and peace to the masses without cost

That sustainability can only be achieved through the full involvement, control and understanding of the process by the people themselves. United Nation POLAC ( Nigeria) is a non-profit foundation organization. The organization’s objectives are innovation for peaceful development through partnering improved governance and sustainable use of service to humanity. United Nations POLAC is registered under the custodian of the world federation of UNESCO Clubs and Association and is overseen at the apex by a board of 5 highly qualified trustees with varying professional backgrounds and competencies.

United Nations POLAC Nigeria with the chapter in each of 36 states and Abuja has remained one of the most effective means through which POLAC create awareness among the masses and the entire citizenry of the country on UNESCO Peace, its aims and programmes. The clubs have also proved to be a veritable means of harnessing the creative potentials of Nigeria youth for National development. Our modus operand is not through government but through various individuals at all levels by appointing them as UN Peace Advocate and training them to become United Nations Volunteers and peace icons. We are cognizant that the society is not void but comprise of various individuals who are the real actors. Therefore, we encourage individual peace efforts irrespective of background and orientation, culture, tribe, religion, profession social standing etc join the peace train.

Earlier in his speech, the International Director for Africa, His Excellency Obong Halo B. Eton noted that UN POLAC was founded in the hope of building a world in which peoples, cultures, races, religions and nationalities could live together in harmony, mutual respect, cooperation and universal prosperity. It was developed as part of the 49 th world culture of peace and youth festival in October 2003. The Deputy International Director His Excellency, Bishop Prof Chidi Ehiriodo, in his remark noted services of U.N. POLAC to include: (1) Organizing capacity building workshops and seminars in peace making and peace keeping, (2) Skills training / Poverty Eradication programmes, (3) Establishment and management of peace communities, (4) Training of peace advocates, volunteers and rural peace workers, (5) Capacity training for NGO’s, CBOs, (6) Basic Education programmes, (7) HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaigns, (8) Civic Education, (9) Youth Development / Children survival activities, (10) Rapid Assistance during Emergencies and National disasters, etc, (11) Industrial safety training and first aid services, (12) Citizenship, health and social services, (13) Work for International Youth Cooperation and understanding including International Youth Camps, youth exchange programmes and Bureau for world peace poster contest.

Every member branch is autonomous, but receives instructions from the International Secretariat, he explained. Prof Ehiriodo added that POLAC - Positive Livelihood Award Centre collaborates with other agencies National and International Non-Governmental organizations, Peace Agencies, Embassies, Governments, Companies organization and the United Nations and her agencies to render services as appropriate to communicate to communities of the world.

The National Outreach Officer Comrade Emmanuel Nkweke announced that some of the recipients who were not physically present or represented shall receive their award at a later date. Meanwhile, the inauguration of the Delta State Chapter will come up in November, 2010 at which occasion twelve additional awardees shall be conferred on other distinguished Nigerians who have contributed to peace and development of the Nation. Among those that shall be conferred with awards are: Sir Barr. Omon-Irabor, Hon. Chief (Dr) Godwin Atose, Barr. Joe Arausi, Pastor Power Z. Aginighan Archbishop Dr. C.A.O Apena, Elder Godsday Orubebe, and others whose nominations are being processed.

  Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan

Governor, Delta State, Nigeria