Segun Atanda/
Segun Atanda/
In a grand celebration of peace and unity, the Apostles of Peace Society International (AOPI) yesterday bestowed its prestigious peace awards on three distinguished Nigerians: Chief Bisi Akande, former Governor of Osun State; Chief Obi Okafor, Group Chief Executive Officer of Blue Star Group; and Captain Ado Sanusi, CEO of Aero Contractors Ltd.
The awards were presented at the annual AOPI Peace Award and Investiture Ceremony at the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Cathedral Church in Lagos.
The event, which celebrated the profound contributions of these individuals to national peace and development, saw a congregation of notable personalities and thought leaders coming together to honor these champions of peace. Chief Paul Duro Ajisafe, National President of AOPI, lauded the recipients for their steadfast dedication to fostering peace and their impactful roles in steering Nigeria toward a brighter future.
In her keynote address titled “Christians and the Struggle for Peace and Justice in Nigeria,” Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), called on the religious community to champion harmony and justice. She emphasized that religion, often a source of conflict, must instead be a catalyst for peace through interfaith dialogue.
“Peace is more than the mere absence of conflict; it is a proactive commitment to justice,” Prof. Ogunsola asserted. She urged Nigerians to embody the virtues of patience, humility, and empathy, and to strive for a society where justice fosters trust and cooperation. “Justice is a moral imperative; without it, peace remains an illusion,” she warned.
Prof. Ogunsola highlighted that injustices arise from the lack of accountability and fair treatment, urging a collective effort to address these root causes. She encouraged Christians to practice what they preach by leading lives of love and supporting initiatives that bridge divides.
The Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji, Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, echoed these sentiments by advocating for dialogue over dissent. “Let’s engage in conversations with those in authority to resolve our differences,” he urged, emphasizing that constructive dialogue is crucial for national progress.
In his acceptance speech, Captain Ado Sanusi expressed his gratitude for the honor and dedicated his award to his father, a revered figure of peace. “This recognition is not just for me but a testament to the peaceful legacy my father left behind,” Sanusi said.
As the ceremony ended, it was clear that the spirit of unity and reconciliation was alive and well, driven by the collective efforts of these peace advocates and the call to action from Nigeria’s religious and community leaders.
AOPI is a humanitarian, evangelical, and philanthropic society inaugurated on 17th January 1998, initiated and founded by Siyanbola Aderinola Oladapo, to intervene and maintain peace.
