Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Tuesday, launched a children’s story book.
The book, entitled ‘Peace Story for Children’ was presented to commemorate the 2015 International Day of Peace.
According to the ex-leader, he decided to launch the story book to ensure the entrenchment of sustainable peace in the country.
He noted that one of the most effective ways to ensure sustainable peace was to instill a culture of non-violence and peaceful co-existence in the youth and children.
The Director, OOPL, CHS, Prof. Peter Okebukola, who represented Obasanjo at the event, said, “Baba Obasanjo believes that the youth are going to be the leaders of tomorrow. And so, we should start planting the seeds of peace in their hearts.
“We are conveying the peace story in a story. Children love stories. This book is to tell the children how they can be part of peace-making in their homes; peace-making with their friends, peace-making in their schools, peace-making nationally.
“It is only when there is sustainable peace that the country can have sustainable development.”
He said ‘The CHS Peace Project for Children’ was a deliberate action that would ensure the entrenchment of sustainable peace in the country.
He lauded the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in fostering peace in Nigeria, calling on all Nigerians to support the positive change unfolding under the current dispensation.
He said the former President was currently outside the country on a peace mission, adding that it was time the world recognised his efforts at fostering peace in the African sub-region and globally and give him a Nobel Peace prize.
He said, “Baba Obasanjo is abroad now preaching peace. I’ll say that Baba deserves the Nobel Peace prize, because over the last several decades, Baba has been in the vanguard or has been part of groups that have been solving challenges. He has been part of efforts at building bridges, building national unity and promoting peace, not only in Africa but on global level.”
Okebukola expressed the belief that ‘The CHS Peace Project for Children’ would enhance children’s understanding of conflict, conflict resolution and also to empower students as citizens to contribute and sustain a more peaceful global community.
He added, “Today, we are bringing together Nigerian youths to deepen their understanding of the benefits of peace and how they can individually and collectively promote and pursue the ideals of peace.
“As the world celebrates the International Peace Day, the Centre for Human Security commends the efforts of the government and various organisations in responding to the various security challenges and threats in the country and implores everyone to devise measures to prevent conflicts. The centre remains committed to ensuring sustainable peace.”
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