NCWS Marks International Day of Living Together in Peace, Advocates Unity and Sustainable Development
By Roseline Okakah
The Ondo State chapter of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has called for greater commitment to peace, unity, tolerance and sustainable development as it commemorated the International Day of Living Together in Peace.
The event, themed “Promoting Peace, Unity, Tolerance and Sustainable Development,” brought together government officials, women leaders, traditional stakeholders and members of civil society in Ondo State to discuss the role of women in peacebuilding and national development.
In her welcome address, the President of NCWS, Ondo State chapter, Oluseyi Odusola, described the annual observance as a reminder of the need for mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence among people regardless of ethnic, religious, cultural or political differences.
She noted that the day provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of dialogue, bridge-building and unity in addressing societal challenges.
“In a world where conflict and division continue to challenge human progress, the message of peace remains more relevant than ever. As women and mothers, we recognize our unique role as builders of peace, promoters of unity and custodians of values that strengthen families and communities,” she said.
Odusola reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting peace, social justice, gender equality and sustainable development, urging participants to reject violence, discrimination and intolerance while embracing cooperation, understanding and mutual respect.
“Peace is not simply the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, equity, understanding and opportunities for all. When we live together in peace, we create an environment where development thrives,” she added.
The Father of the Day, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, represented by the Commissioner for Housing in Ekiti State, Dr. Oloniyo Gboyega, commended NCWS for organizing what he described as a timely and significant event.
According to him, discussions around peacebuilding and sustainable coexistence have become increasingly important in light of growing security concerns across the country, including terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks on citizens.
Bamidele highlighted the critical role women play in conflict prevention, mediation, victim support and community rebuilding, noting that women’s organizations such as NCWS have continued to champion peace education, civic engagement and advocacy for justice and inclusion.
“Promoting peaceful coexistence directly contributes to national development. We must recommit ourselves to building a nation where every citizen feels valued, respected, protected and empowered to contribute to national growth,” he said.
As part of his support for the council’s activities, the senator announced a donation of ₦20 million towards the ongoing construction of the NCWS State Secretariat.
Delivering a lecture on peace and unity among women, guest speaker Olubola Adeleye urged women to embrace collaboration rather than competition.
She attributed many of the challenges facing women to a lack of unity and mutual support.
“Women should see the strengths in other women rather than their weaknesses. We should stop seeing one another as competitors and instead work together to achieve common goals. Women leaders should support their followers, and followers should support their leaders,” she said.
Adeleye also encouraged women to shun gossip, embrace forgiveness and build stronger partnerships capable of advancing the collective interests of women in society.
Speaking at the event, the Ondo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Aminu Takuro, praised women for their contributions to governance and development.
He described Ondo State governor, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as a strong advocate of women’s inclusion, noting that the administration has continued to create opportunities for women across various sectors of government.
According to him, women occupy key positions in the state, including appointments as permanent secretaries, directors, councillors, vice-chairpersons and political office holders.
“The governor believes in competence and capacity. Once he sees that you can deliver, he will support and appoint you. Women are playing major roles in the development of Ondo State, and they will continue to occupy their rightful place in government,” he said.
Takuro also highlighted ongoing development projects aimed at transforming Ondo State’s economy, including the proposed deep seaport and refinery projects, which he said would create employment opportunities for thousands of youths and improve the state’s IGR.
He further assured the council of the state government’s support for the completion of the NCWS Secretariat project and pledged the backing of local government chairmen across the state.
The event also featured the donation of wheelchairs to persons with disabilities from the three senatorial districts of Ondo State, underscoring the council’s commitment to inclusion and support for vulnerable groups.
