Date: 2016-08-09

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed yesterday in llorin tasked Kwarans to give peace a chance and become proponents and promoters of the harmony for which the state is known.

The governor who emphasised the importance of peace to the development of any nation at a Peace summit in llorin, advised all and sundry to be advocates of peace. According to him, "It is obvious to all that peace is essential for any society that seeks an atmosphere in which people can thrive, subject only to the limits of their ability and the allowances provided by law.

"This essentiality is borne out of the fact that we cannot achieve progress in an atmosphere of rancour, violence or disharmony. "Therefore, development can only occur when people live as one and take advantage of the opportunities available for their prosperity without fearing for their safety and that of their loved ones".

He further reinstated the readiness of his administration to the sustenance of peace and communal harmony across the state by upholding the law to its fullest. His words: "In recognition of the need for harmonious living, l wish to restate my call for the creation of inter community economic platforms not only to create linkages between communities, but also ensure prosperity is shared in a way that discourages conflict and removes suspicion that tends to escalate into community conflicts".

He also disclosed that the government had commenced the implementation of pro-peace recommendations by the various panels set up to look into previous communal clashes in the state.

He therefore, urged the state residents to remain vigilant at all times, adopt peaceful resolutions to disputes that may arise during the course of their daily interactions and promote the spirit of harmonious living. The state commissioner for Information and Communications, Mahmud Babatunde Ajeigbe had earlier in his remark appealed to Kwarans to shun divisive tendencies capable of tearing the state apart.

Also speaking, the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr Felix Olowookere stressed the need for sustainable peace and understanding among all and sundry. Speaking in the same vein, the Executive Director, Passion for Peace Initiatives, Mr Lekan Jimoh said his organisation decided to organise the programme in order to promote protection of sanctity of human lives and ensure peaceful coexistence for sustainable growth and development.