KWAMKUR SAMUEL FOUNDATION FOR JUSTICE PEACE DEVELOPMENT - President Evangelical. Barr. Kwamkur Samuel

REMARK BY THE PRESIDENT KWAMKUR SAMUEL FOUNDATION

FOR JUSTICE PEACE DEVELOPMENT EVANG. BARR. KWAMKUR

SAMUEL VONDIP AT THE PLATEAU PEACE CONFERENCE

ORGANIZED BY THE FOUNDATION IN COMMEMORATION OF

THE INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY 2021 ON 21ST SEPTEMBER, 2021

HELD AT SARAU EVENT CENTRE BEHIND NTA JOS ON 21 ST

SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Protocol,

I am pleased to welcome all of you who found time to join us in commemorating the International Peace day 2021 in a special way. This meeting is unique not because it's the first time the Foundation is calling out for peace parley but unique because the young people who we believe are the major players in crises and peace process are carefully invited to be part of this meeting. While the world is discussing about recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world, we chose to discuss on the same theme but with a little difference base on our peculiarity, hence our theme for this meeting; recovering better for an equitable and sustainable Plateau. From the international perspective, the world is gradually recovering from the Covid19 pandemic while ours can be said to be triple jeopardy; we should be recovering from Covid19, violence attacks and harsh economy, hence the more reason for our coming together to confront our challenges. Natural disasters for the past years have dealt with us as humans, hence we should not allow man made condition to affect us.

The Kwamkur Samuel Foundation for Justice Peace Development, as you would have read from our brochures and other sources, is mainly to ensure societal development through justice and peace culture and to serve as platform for providing answers to the challenges of the society that has open us up to poverty, violence, dehumanization, corruption and all forms of societal abuses and to contribute in our little way within available human and material resources in building a great society.

As an organization, our aim and objective is to develop the culture of peace that is built on equity and fair play, ensure the training, rehabilitation, empowerment and mentorship of children and young persons. Our targeted beneficiaries are the downtrodden without voices that need to be helped or heard. We are trusting God that the beneficiaries of our programs will in turn give back to their various families and communities for a better society.

Plateau state, from history is known to be one of the most serene and accommodating state in the whole federation hence our motto “Home of Peace and Tourism”. Suddenly, the enemy of peace came and sow seeds of discord amongst us which is complicated by different factors to include; politics, religion, high level of criminality and systemic corruption. While we sympathize with those who are victims of brutality, persistent killings and destruction of property in many parts of our communities, we must not give up on ourselves and nation. We must not allow few disgruntled elements to cause crises amongst us. We must be on alert to carefully understand what is happening around us. I appeal to us all to join hands with each other regardless of our tribes, religion and region to ensure that we collectively expose and fight the criminal elements whether they are within us, in the bushes or in high places of authority. The Plateau State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong has shown commitment to ending crisis amongst our communities and as concerned citizens and organizations, we have a duty to supplement and complement the efforts of Government and security agencies. 

As a dependable organization, we shall continue to advocate for peace in all places, ensure that justice and fair play reigns, and encourage the empowerment of unemployed young people. We have confidence that God providing the strength we shall transform not only Nigeria but most parts of the world.We are willing to partner with young people who are ready to make good use of their talent and time for self-development and growth of mankind.

While we decongest the police and prison cells by trying to intervene for first offenders and inmates without legal representation who are innocent or willing to be transformed, we shall also ensure the conviction of criminals who are causing needless pains to the society especially those engaged in gender violence as part of our activities.

Let me encourage our young people that you have your destiny in your

hands. As a young man I knew that my future is in my hand, I have tested that insight and confirmed severally. What a young man needs is self-preparation, courage, confidence and a push from destiny helpers who are also available if you are careful to know, then of course a just and peaceful environment.

Like a peace advocate would say; “Peace is not just about the absence of violence, it's about people coming together, rising above what divide us to work together to actively build a world where we can all thrive."

As reflected on the UN peace day message, we are urged "to stand up against acts of hate online and offline, and by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic and as well recover." Let each and every one of us contribute his/ her part in ending the Covid19 pandemic by keeping to the protocols and also help in recovering our state

from external and internal enemies of peace. We wish to thank our respected royal, biological and spiritual fathers for the various roles they are playing in ensuring peaceful coexistence in our communities. Your presence here is an exceptional encouragement to the youths. We appreciate our teeming youths also for coming out in good number and thank the civil society organizations, security agencies and esteemed individuals who in one way or the other are contributing in ensuring that our society develop in safety and peace.

I appeal to you all to partner with us as we undertake different programs at different times for the building of an egalitarian society through sharing of information, partnership in one or two of our projects; Advocacy, Education and empowerment.

I appreciate sincerely all our respected guests, especially the Panel of Discussants, planning team, my family and those playing one role or the other in this program for accepting to partner with us. I encourage us to be calm, peaceful and frank in our discussions and contributions here.

Let's think deeply, we can actually live together and develop ourselves with mutual respect and understanding.

May the grace and peace of the Lord which surpasses all forms of understanding abide with us now and forevermore. Amen!