Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has commended Actionaid Nigeria and Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development, (PIBCID), for their roles in the state which he said was aimed at promoting peaceful co-existence in several communities.
Governor Bello gave the commendation while speaking in Lokoja on Tuesday, during the 2021 International Peace Day with the theme, “Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world” organized by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with Participation Initiative for Behavioral Change in Development, (PIBCID), funded by Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, (GCERF).
The Governor who was represented by the state commissioner for Youth and sport, Idris Musa stressed that his administration remains committed to protecting lives and properties of the citizens.
“My achievement in term of security is second to none in this country. Our people have continued to sleep with their two eyes closed. No doubt kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry is now business in some parts of the country, just because some people in the community have compromised and they are not willing to fish out this bad eggs from their vicinity.
“But it is not so here. We are committed to safety of our people. Criminals should stay away from Kogi State. Any one caught would be dealt decisively and will face the full wrath of the law.”.
Governor Bello however vowed that his administration will continue to work towards having a peaceful society anchored on Justice fairness and equality, saying that he will not allow Kogi State to become a breathing place for criminal element.
Bello, who rolled out his achievements marking Kogi State as the most peaceful state in Nigeria explained that peace remains a panacea for meaningful development.
Speaking earlier, ActionAid Nigeria County Director, Mrs Ene Obi who was represented by ActionAid Social Mobilization Manage, Adewale Adedotan, admonished Kogi State Government to sustain the gains they have recorded in promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.
In her remarks, the executive Director participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development, (PIBCID), Halima Oiza Sadiq admonished youths in the state to show love and shun violence stressing that “we should not agonize but organize our State”.
On her part, the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba lauded Actionaid Nigeria for their immense contribution towards promoting peace in the state.
She said her ministry will leave no stone unturned to join in the campaign in promoting peace, adding that despite the negative report of security lapses in other parts of the country, Kogi State has continued to take the lead for peace in Nigeria.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly.