By Emmanuel Enebeli
EFFURUN/Nigeria: The day was like any other day, but around the world the United Nations, and Civil Society Organisations, (CSO), celebrated the 2017 “16 Days Activism Against Gender Violent”, with a Theme: “From Peace in the Home, to Peace in the World, Make Education Safe for All”.
In celebrating this years event, Community Empowerment and Development Initiative, (CEDI), supported by PIND, hosted secondary school students at Heartland Hotels in Effurun, Delta state, on November 30, 2017.
Speaking at the occasion, the Convener CEDI, Mrs Martha Onose said that the event for 26 years has been commemorating the 16 days activism against gender based violence, and the 2017 is unique as it is targeted at the efforts of students and women contributions to peace development.
Giving the brief on the history of the celebration, she said violence had become so rampant in the society, and it is seriously affecting the school system. She pointed out that if there is no peace at home, the back effect is poor education, and a violent educational system.
According to her, it is very pertinent for everyone to be involved in the fight against gender violence in the society.
She said while the students are taking through the workshop is for them to be ambassadors of peace at home, and at their various places of schooling.
The guest speaker of the occasion, Mrs Philo Orile , a counselor, re-echoed the need for the students to be peace ambassadors at home and schools, to ward off any actions that will create violence in the society, as she said,
“Peace in schools can only be achieved by first having peace at home”.
Also speaking, the facilitator of the event, Mrs Rose Obi took the Children through the various steps on how to “Make Education Safe for All”.
To ensure that the gospel of peace is taken to the people, women who are regarded as peace agents, where hosted on the 7 of December by CEDI at the same venue, where they were told of their strengths to ensure peace exist in Nigeria, and the world.
Speaking at that occasion was a well known social advocate, and Director of Studies of Centre LSD Leadership School, Effurun, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe.
Pastor Egedegbe told the women, that the high rate of violence effects on women and children, is enough sign of possible breakdown of law and order, and they should always speak out to stop it.
He reminded them that they are in a very good position to ensure peace exists in their communities. And because of that advantage position, they cannot just sit and watch and allow violent of any form to rule the society.
Also speaking, the CEO of CEDI, Mrs Onose said that the best way to bring attention to those in authourity on the effects of violent activities, and any form of activities that does not bring peace, is to always take action against it.
“You have to take action, you have to speak out, complain less. Your voice to peace development in our society is very vital”. She said.
The various speakers and contributors during the events, however charged the audience that the processes of achieving peace at home, school, is to carryout advocacy campaign to expose the dangers of violent activities, especially gender related violence.
The separate two days events was attended by pupils and students from selected schools and women from different communities in the state, who engaged the organisers and guest lecturers on a very robust interactive session.
