by Adesoji Omosebi
The Aragbiji of Iragbiji and the World Institute for Peace International hosted the Fulani herders, Security Agents, government officials, traditional rulers, members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Market Women, the students among others to proffer solution to all manners of conflicts in the society.
In his welcome address, the Aragbiji or Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi in his welcome address said peace in his environment, the State of Osun, Nigeria is paramount in his heart. He enjoined everyone to embrace peace and harmony. He said crime knows no gender, ethnic or race, criminality is not peculiar to one tribe.
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In his speech, the Founder/Executive Chairman of World Institute for Peace International, Comrade Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi delivered a speech titled ‘Peace Building – A Responsible Binding’ .
Comrade Lamina said the
”world situation is volatile and peacebuilding activities should be given a top priority.” He said by adopting the following four levels, aggressive tendencies can be diffused between various races, regions, religions, communities etc, they are The Grassroots, Community, Civil Society and Government levels.
He said if these four levels can work together with unity of purpose, it will establish a non-violent society where peace and unity would rain.
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“As peace loving citizens of the world, let us pledge and aspire with a true spirit to promote Universal Peace with a steadfast desire to exhibit love and care, peace and harmony that co-exists in every corner of the world.”
The Speaker of the day, Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola elaborated on the root causes of conflicts in the society, conflict resolutions and the way to go about it to have peace and harmony.
Former Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon Mudasiru Toogun went into the memory lane on the efforts made by the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola to nip in the bud conflicts between the Fulani herdsmen and the farmers. He was happy because of the continuity in the state, and with Governor Oyetola who was one the engine room of the previous government in power, there would not be any cause for alarm.
He told the audience the encounter he had with the Fulani herdsmen, robbers.
“The name and image of the Fulanis have been battered, what is expedient for them is to redeem their image by turning a new leaf.”
He further buttressed the fact that the Fulanis are not the only ones perpetrating the crimes, it comprised of all the tribes.
Among those who delivered powerful speech are, the Chief Whip of the State of Osun House of Assembly, Hon Lekan Olatunji, the Osun Governor of Oodua Peoples Congress, the Chairman of Osun Farmers, Barrister (Mrs) Bukola Aderibigbe, the Area Commanders of the Police and the Nigerian Civil Defence among others.
The wife of Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the Speaker of the House of Assembly were ably represented.
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The general consensus at the confab is for all other Traditional Rulers in the State and in the entire Southwest to emulate the initiative of Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi in organizing such a peace parley with all the stakeholders to resolve issues that would bring about peace and harmony among ethnic, religious groups in the society.
www.sojworldnews.com © August 10, 2019
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