By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
In commemoration of the International Day of Peace, the Rotary Club of Ogwa on Tuesday, September 23, paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Michael Abattam, at the Owerri Area Command Office. The visit aimed to forge a partnership towards peacebuilding and conflict prevention in Imo State.
Speaking during the visit, the President of Rotary Club of Ogwa, Rtn. Pet Anoruo (PHF) described Rotary International as a global network of community leaders, business and professional individuals working together to make positive impacts in key areas like peace, health, education, and community development through various programs and initiatives by volunteering their time, talents and resources.
Rtn. Anoruo, explained that the interface was necessary to articulate areas of collaboration with the police in curbing the menace of violence and its consequences among the residents of the state through the promotion of peace and conflict prevention, which she disclosed constituted part of the core values and projects of Rotary Club.
“We’re glad to be here to find ways where Rotary Club of Ogwa could partner with the Owerri Police Area Command on peacebuilding and conflict prevention because in the society, peace is paramount, and where there is no peace, people would resort to conflict as the results of anger, frustrations and pain’’.
“So, we’re trying to address the root causes of these problems in order to prevent violence from taking place in the first place. And when achieved, such situation would ensure that people in the state cohabit peacefully,” she asserted.
Accompanied by other Rotarians of Rotary Club of Ogwa, Rtn. Anoruo, appreciated the efforts of the police and other security agencies in fighting crime and violence, adding that collaborating with the club would help strengthen such activities as Rotary Club boosts of vast network, transformative initiatives and people of goodwill.
Stressing the importance of peace as a critical factor in achieving good neighbourhood and economic development, Rtn. Anoruo, clarified that the club thoughtfully changed its approach from ‘conflict resolution’ to ‘prevention’ to address effectively factors that trigger negative dispositions which lead to violence and insecurity.
She inquired on behalf of the Rotaractors who accompanied her and who also make up the populace of the young generation of our society how the police command engages with youths in the communities to prevent conflicts and promote peace.
Responding, ACP Abattam, appreciated the club for its activities in the society and for collaborating with the police towards achieving peace and security which he described as the responsibility of all the citizens.
ACP Abattam, noted that men and officers of the Imo State Police Command were doing their best to achieve peace and security in the state, attributing their successes to the support from Governor Hope Uzodimma and the ingenuity of the Commissioner of Police, CP. Aboki Danjuma.
He highlighted the importance of partnerships in security matters, charging the club and other stakeholders on proactiveness as key in peacebuilding and conflict prevention in the state.
He also disclosed that his command engages on periodic interface with Students Union Governments of the higher institutions in the state and makes use of town hall meetings among the community leaders, youth representatives and the DPOs in various communities and local governments.
According to him, such approach including information sharing, sensitization works on various communities, young population and groups as well as logistical support would make synergy with the police robust and productive.
The ACP, called for renewed trust and confidence in the Imo State Police Command under the visionary leadership of CP Aboki Danjuma, urging the residents of the state to always assist the police with useful information that would lead to the dismantling of criminal elements, conflict prevention and peaceful co-existence. He assured of robust synergy between the police and the Rotary Club of Ogwa.
Those in attendance included, SP David Ifijeh, ASP Saba Sheidu; the President of Rotaract Club of New Owerri, Rtr. Ndiokwelu Stanley and his Amakohia/Akwakuma counterpart, Rtr. Nwadike Destiny among others.
