```Oscar Ofuka honoured with IAWPA Eminent Peace Ambassador award``` ... Dedicates honour to Gov. Ayade

 

 

In recognition of his noteworthy contributions to peace building and societal development, the Special Adviser to Cross River State Governor on Cocoa Development, Ntufam (Dr.) Oscar Ofuka, Tuesday, 16th February, was honoured with the award of Eminent Peace Ambassador by the International Association of World Peace Advocates. (IAWPA), a world-class organisation with the United Nations Economic and Social Council's special consultative status, committed to implementing universally sustainable principles to take steps to support United Nations goals .

Speaking to newsmen after his investiture, which held at the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, Ntufam Ofuka thanked IAWPA for finding his little beneficences worthy to be rewarded with such honours, while describing peace as "a personality sacrosanct to humanity" that must be given a chance for any meaningful development to thrive in the society.

The award-winning aide however dedicated the prestigious honour to Governor Ben Ayade, for empowering over six thousand Cross Riverians through his all-inclusive governance architecture, thereby enhancing economic improvement and giving them a voice in the society.

The trailblazing Special Adviser thanked the State Governor for returning peace and tranquillity through his security outfit, 'Operation Akpawu,' which has since declared war against crime and criminality in the State.

When asked on ways to foster lasting peace and a crime-free society, Ntufam Ofuka said: "everyone must return to agriculture, as the historical first occupation of man, amid dwindling global oil prices and the need for food sufficiency in Nigeria.

The Cocoa Development boss thanked Sir Ayade for his agro-based reforms that have turned the State into an industrialisation hub and a reference point in the comity of Nigerian states.

It will be recalled that Ntufam Oscar, in entrenching peace, mediated in the conflict resolution between the warring communities of Bendeghe-Ekiem and Akparabong; organized sporting competitions and built a state-of-the-art police station to curb youth restiveness in his community; and through the State Cocoa Estate, empowered women and youths across the State, a situation that has brought a sense of belonging and occupation to beneficiaries of the the farms.

Earlier in his speech, the organisation's President, Ambassador Per Stafsen, stated that the award to Ntufam Ofuka, as well as other recipients, could not have come at a better time, considering the fact that peace seems to be eluding some parts of the country, while hoping that such gesture facilitates the restoration of peace in the land.

"The recipients are personalities that we followed their antecedents in their respective communities and places of residence in their quest for the maintenance of sustainable peace; and today, we are proud to showcase them to the international community as recipients of the 2021 Eminent Peace Ambassadors award in Nigeria," Amb. Stafsen remarked.

The IAWPA President expressed confidence in his Organisation's choice in such regard was well-deserved, praphrasing the axiom "Give honour to whom honour is due."

Among the recipients of the awards were, notably, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Member representing Yakurr 1 in the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nelson Ofem, the Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board Limited, Chief Victor Effiom Ekpo, among others.