The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications,  Dr. Godwin Mpi, has pledged to be a good ambassador to peace.

 Addressing newsmen after receiving an award as an international Ambassadors of Peace, which was conferred on him by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), a Non-governmental organization (NGO), the Permanent Secretary, stated that he has always been a peace lover, but the award has challenged him to do more.   He emphasised that peace is a prerequisite for any nation to move forward, adding that collective effort is needed for peace to prevail.

Dr Mpi further enjoined that people of Niger Delta to embrace peace and dialogue, saying that these are the solution to crisis.

In his address, Prof. Simeon Achinewhu, UPF Regional President, Niger Delta/South East and former Vice Chancellor of University of Science and Technology (UST), said for world peace to be achieved, individual peace is very necessary as it is the foundation for family, society, national and world peace. Prof. Achinewhu reiterated that peace can only be achieved through practicing love. Speaking earlier, the Chairman, UPF, Regional Peace Council, Niger Delta South East and former Military Administrator of the Old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff (OFR), who gave the key note address, said the vision of UPF is to establish “one family under God beyond the barriers of religion, nationality race and ethnicity.

He stated that people can only know when they have genuine peace, when they can love and serve their adversary. Responding on behalf of the awardees, Prof. Ayibanimi Francis thanked the leadership of UPF for the honour and promised to live up to the confidence reposed in them as international Peace Ambassadors.     

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the poem “Oloibiri” by Mrs Sophia Obi-Apoko and songs of peace by other performing artistes.