The Institute for Universal Harmony (TIFUH) has appealed for partnership and support from the government, private sector, technocrats, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists to train at least 200 candidates nationwide in Conflict Resolution Management and Peace Advocacy.
TIFUH International President, Dr. King Charles Bassey, made the appeal during the induction of 45 Conflict Managers and the launch of a scholarship scheme for Peace Practitioners in Nigeria.
He said the training aims to enhance self-dependence, proficiency, and employability in the private sector, multinational corporations, international agencies, and government establishments.
Dr. Bassey congratulated the inductees for blazing the trail in peace building, emphasizing the imperative need for peace and harmony in the country.
The International President also called on the state government to sponsor the training of qualified candidates, taking advantage of the subsidized tuition fee. Additionally, he appealed for utility vehicles to facilitate program monitoring nationwide.
The National President of TIFUH, Prof. Akon Esu, represented by the Chaplain of the institute, Apostle (Dr.) Glory Udoema, emphasized the importance of peace advocacy.
“No enduring development and achievement in human society can thrive successfully in a conflict environment, hence the need for individuals to acquire requisite skills on conflict management,” she said.
Prof. Esu added that institutions grow in magnitude and evolve to completeness where peace and harmony are practiced, stressing that “peace should be everyone’s concern.”
The Cross River State Branch Chairman of TIFUH, Pastor Hon. Patrick Asikpo Okon, who was also the Chairman of the occasion, congratulated the graduands on their induction as peace practitioners.
He urged them to always be at the forefront of peace building and live by example.
“You are not just peace advocates but you are examples to others. Choose peace, speak and practice peace as you go into the world,” he said.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Michael Okom, former Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, University of Calabar (Unical), delivered a compelling presentation on the topic “Conflict Resolution Management and Peace Advocacy.”
Prof. Okom underscored the importance of peace building and advocacy, stating that lack of proper communication breeds conflict.
He further emphasized that no organization can achieve meaningful results in a rancorous atmosphere, highlighting the need for individuals to acquire basic skills in conflict management.
Prof. Okom commended the TIFUH International President for his persistence and vision in moving the institute to greater heights.
The event also featured the induction of notable figures into the Advisory Council of the Institute, including Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Gyogon Augustine Grimah, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar, and Apostle Dr. Amb Glory Anietie Udoema, among others.
