State2State marks International Day of Peace in Akwa Ibom State
By Ekemini Simon
The State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity, of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has marked the International Day of Peace in Akwa Ibom State.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The United Nations General Assembly declared this day as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace with the 2022 theme tagged “End racism. Build Peace.”
State2State marked the day in Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 on the occasion of budget consultation meeting with select local government stakeholders in Eket Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking on the significance of the day, the Communications Specialist of State2State in Akwa Ibom State, Smart Matthew said in the context of Nigeria, ethnic division has over the years challenged the peaceful co-existence of the country hence the need to change the narrative.
Also speaking, the Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist of State2State, Emaediong Akpan called on the people not to engage in actions that will cause a crisis in their communities as that will militate against development.
She said ” If you want to ensure that the monies that should have been used for key projects are not diverted through expenses made on security which are not usually accounted for, we need to work and remain in peace in our communities”.
Some of the inscriptions displayed by State2State to mark the day read ” When women participate in peace processes, it creates stability “, ” Peace is an action, peace is understanding, peace is being human”, ” Stop fueling ethnic conflict, embrace peace”.