By Awolaye Tosin Deborah, Abuja Correspondent
The Peace Corps of Nigeria – PCN, which is undoubtedly the biggest and best Non-Governmental and Non-Denominational / Sectarian Paramilitary Youth Body in Africa, celebrated its 23rd Anniversary in Abuja Nigeria, on Saturday July 10, 2021 in colourful and memorable Ceremony held at the Obasanjo Space Centre.
The Event was dignitary studded with renowned past and serving Youth Leader from across Nigeria in high-spirited participation. It was a double barrel occassion with Day and Night Sessions of Lecture / Awards and Dinner respectively.
The Day Session which opened on the arrival of the Corps National Commandant at about 11:14 am.
The chairman of the Occassion, was the former Military Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon rtd., ably represented by the former Governor of Bauchi State, rtd Maj.Gen Chris Abutu Garuba, while the
Guest Speaker was Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert (PH.d) a Professor of African History,
Peace and Conflict Studies with the University of Ibadan. The Royal Fathers present included Alh. Dr Yahaya
Abubakar (Etsu Nupe & Chairma , Council of Traditional Rulers Niger State), also the Etsu of Kwali was much around.
Mother of the Day
was Hon. Mrs Pauline Taline, the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs. Arch Bishop Bature Kawas among
numerous dignitaries were all in attendance to grace the occasion.
In his Opening Remarks, the National Commandant, professor Dickerson A.O. Akoh took the audience down a very inspiring memory lane of the foundation and rigorous journey of building the Peace Corps of Nigeria, and his personal ordeal. He disclosed to the enraptured audience THAT ABOUT 7 years of his youthful life was spent in detention in the bid by Forces to subdue Corps and extinguish the Vision, however, the Grace of God and personal conviction producing uncommon resilience saw to the survival of the Peace Corps Dream, till date. A short but equally motivational Documentary of the History and Achievements of the Peace Corps was played afterward.
Taking over the stage, the Chairman Gen. Gowon, represented by Major Gen. Chris Garuba rtd., reiterated the need for the Nigerian Youth to be active in Peace Building and National Development, while charging Members of the Peace Corps to continue the good works across the Federation, acknowledging the positive impact of the Corps in the Country. He further felicitated with the National Commandant / Founder on his
Birthday which coincided with the Anniversary Celebration.
The Guest Speaker, stunned the gathering with an in depth Lecture that underscored the place of Peace and Security in National Development and Prosperity. This was followed by the Cutting of the intimidating Anniversary Cake and an interesting
Photo Session.
Some deserving personalities and National Patriots, who have contributed remarkably to the growth of the Peace Corps, and Nation Building in general, were honoured with the prestigious SDG AWARD.
THE COMMON DENOMINATOR IN THE ENTIRE EVENT WAS THE EXPRESSION OF HIGH HOPES BY ALL OVER PASSAGE OF THE NIGERIAN PEACE CORPS BILL AND ITS SIGNING INTO LAW BY MR. PRESIDENT.
The Famous Peace Corps Band was on ground to thrill the gathering, alongside the FCT Cultural Troupe performing the Unity Dance.
The Spoken Words Poetry by Poet “Brainbox” and Choreography by the “Moon
Dance Group” were equally astonishing.
The Day Session gave way to the Dinner that started about 7 PM with over double the expected invitees gatecrashing the Jahi residence of the National Commandant. The Night was fun filled with so much food and drinks to consume. Guest interviewed by the youtHouse reporters expressed satisfaction with both the Day Event and Dinner, while asserting that the PEACE CORPS OF NIGERIA WAS ON A SURE TRANSITION TO THE NIGERIAN PEACE CORPS, materializing in no distant time.