July 24, (THEWILL) – The Apostles of Peace Society International (AOPI) has unveiled plans to hold the 2024 edition of its Annual Lecture and Peace Award Ceremony on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Chief (Engr) Paul Duro-Ajisafe, AOPI National President, disclosed this on Monday, during a press conference at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Chief Duro-Ajisafe said the event aims to acquaint the upcoming AOPI with the larger community. He said the AOPI is focused on alleviating the suffering and bringing hope to the marginalised and oppressed.
According to him, the event “is to unveil the 2024 Peace Awardees to the world and to invite the populace to the Lecture with the Theme: Peace in Nigeria’, as we all join hands towards finding solutions to the nation’s challenges.
“The society instituted the Peace Award to recognise deserving individuals in order to promote peace and attract people who shall join in furthering the cause of TRIPODIAL VISION of Apostles of Peace Society.”
Duro-Ajisafe said the Peace Award nomination and selection go through a rigorous process and levels of organs of the AOPI. The award, therefore, confers associate membership of the Society on the recipients.
“Chapters, especially the headquarters chapters, confer Peace Award yearly on individuals, past recipients of which included: Most Rev. Abiodun Adetiloye (late), the 2nd Primate of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion (2005); Chief Okey Okechukwu (late), Chief Mrs P. A. O. Adebiyi, Dr Toyin Okeowo and Hon. (Dr) Uche Ogah, former Minister of Mines, among others.
“However, the National Peace Award was instituted during the 20th anniversary in 2018 and below are the recipients to date:
“On 25th July 2024, we shall be honouring three great individuals who have made significant contributions to peace and they are: His Excellency, Chief Bisi Akande, the former Governor of Osun State; Chief Sir Obi Okafor, the Group CEO, Blue Star Group, and Captain Ado Sanusi, the CEO, Aero Contractors Ltd.
“These are the people who craft policies that guide nations, who foster diplomacy and understanding, who teach and nurture, who innovate and drive progress, who give generously to those in need, who are laden with the responsibility to assure the populace of hope, who manage the affairs of our states with wisdom and care, who tirelessly advocate for peace and whose contributions are the pillars on which our society stand and whose tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have not gone unnoticed.
“Their works stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of peace and the unyielding belief in a better tomorrow.
“The distinguished speaker for the lecture is the 13th Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Mrs. Folashade Ogunsola, who shall give insights and perspectives to the Theme: Peace in Nigeria. The lecture is hoped will foster dialogue, encourage understanding, and build bridges where there are walls.
“The Grand Patron of Apostles of Peace Society International and the Lord Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev Dr James Olusola Odedeji, who has been a blessing and an inspiration to this Society, the nation, Christendom, black race and the world at large, will also grace the ceremony,” he added.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
