Kogiflame
By Joy Salami
As the world commemorates International Day of Peace, the Kogi State Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP), has joined the global community in promoting harmony, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
State Coordinator Kogi RAGFP, Rotarian Grace Ben Kato, stated this in a press statement, made available to Journalists in Lokoja, as part of activities mark the event.
According to her, RAGFP celebrates World Peace Day, observed annually on September 21, with events and initiatives around the globe, with events centered on the United Nation’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World.”
Rotarian Grace, who said the theme, serve as a reminder of the power of individual and collective actions in fostering global peace, urged Individuals, organisations, and governments to work together to achieve peace. Emphasizing that peace is crucial for development and societal progress.
The state chapter of RAGFP, she noted is set to carry out programs and partner with Religious and Traditional organisations, Non Governmental Organizations, Government and individuals to ensure collective action for peace.
Speaking further on RAGFP, Rotary International, she said, its a network of over 1.2 million volunteers, that promotes peace through its various service projects and programs, with oeacebuilding and conflict prevention as one of it’s seven core areas of focus.
“The Rotary Action Group for Peace is an independent affiliate that supports Rotary’s mission by providing a platform for members and non-members to engage in sustainable peacebuilding. The group was co-founded by Al Jubitz and Dennis Wong to educate and empower Rotarians to be known as peacebuilders.
“The RAGFP focuses on intentional, sustainable, and positive peacebuilding by educating individuals, developing peace projects, and strengthening a global network of peacebuilders.
“Beyond World Peace Day, Rotary members continuously work toward peace through various initiatives: Supporting the training of professionals through Rotary Peace Fellowships, hosting Positive Peace workshops that teach skills and build understanding, facilitating youth leadership programs to develop the next generation of leaders and creating meaningful service projects that foster community well-being amongst others.”
As part of efforts to activate Positive Peace in Nigeria, Federal Government of Nigeria, National Counter Terrorism Center in partnership with Gray Child Foundation and RAGFP Nigeria chapter, she disclosed, had earlier launched the “National Community Violence Reduction Programme (NCVRP)” initiative.
She stressed that the need for peace is a force that can transform societies, calling on Kogians to be architects of peace, shaping a legacy that future generations will inherit.
