“For twenty-six years, the Apostles of Peace International has been a beacon of hope, a lighthouse guiding the weary and the troubled, towards the tranquil shores of peace” – Engr. Paul Ajisafe (APSI National President, at the Annual Peace Awards and Investiture)
Thought-provoking. Insightful. Inspirational. Engaging. Brilliant and life-changing! These were but a few accolades that trailed the recent lecture delivered by the first female Vice Chancellor of the prestigious University of Lagos, (UNILAG), a world-renowned medical microbiologist, who is Africa’s leading standard bearer in the fight against debilitating diseases, erudite Professor Folasade Ogunsola. Little wonder that it elicited an instantaneous standing ovation, soon after she finished with the lecture. But what was it all about? We shall get to know.
But first and foremost, the epochal and history -making event, hosted by the impact-making Apostles of Peace Society International, APSI, ably led by Engineer Paul Ajisafe, the National President, along with the tested and trusted team members was a veritable platform for the Annual Peace Award and Investiture on three prominent, peace-promoting patriots. These included the former governor of Osun state, His Excellency, Chief Bisi Akande (CON), the Group CEO, Blue Star Group, Chief (Sir) Obi Okafor and the CEO, Aero Contractors, Captain America Ado Sanusi. The event which took place at the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Cathedral Church in Ikeja, Lagos will become a reference point in Nigeria’s Christendom.
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Interestingly, the one critical and topical issue that would remain for eons in the memories of the engrossed attendees was the lecture titled: ‘Peace in Nigeria’. The thematic relevance of the mind-riveting lecture touched tellingly on what peace really is, the connecting chord between peace and justice, the significant role the church has to play as the whole body of Christ, and specifically what it means to us all as concerned Nigerians? These burning questions have become expedient more so at this trying tension-soaked time in our national history as the hungry and angry youths hit the streets, with protests tagged: #EndBadGovernance Campaign.
As she aptly noted: “Peace is a mindset. We must learn to be humble. We should watch our anger. Love is obedience. It hopes for the best in others.” As much as we do not behave the same way, as individuals, communities and countries, there has to be justice for peace to reign. And talking about justice, what is it all about?
In her illuminating expression, justice encompasses the enforcement of laws, the protection of rights and the punishment of wrong doing to maintain social order. But in the absence of justice, and with the culture of crass impunity, we believe that we can do anything and get away with it. And when such a situation takes place we either forgive you, or some people who ordinarily should be concerned stand aloof and state that: “Let them not say that I am the one who stopped him”. But “impunity fosters corruption”. That, in itself exacerbates wrong doing. But justice, as she rightly noted, “is an imperative of a moral society”.
According to Professor Ogunsola, not feeling concerned about such an anomalous situation is absolutely wrong. She has therefore, urged that Christians have to fight against it; to make the needed change, and of course, the desired difference. And that is because, as well stated in her words of counsel, “evil flourishes when the good keep quiet and we must not forget that”.
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Indeed, now is the time for Christians to practise what they preach. We must reflect the love, compassion and teachings of Jesus Christ. We have to be the messages we preach. It has become compelling because not a few Nigerians have become resentful. We need to mediate conflicts. We need to be more open and eschew individualism, intolerance and do away with the inability to accept our differences. Self-centeredness, especially on the part of our political leaders ,fuels complaints and promotes poverty.
But good enough that we have been called by God to be peace makers. We should therefore, create inclusiveness, offer spiritual and financial support. We have to reflect the love and compassion in the body of Christ. This should be not be done only by wishful words but by visible actions. We need to do more with regards to community services such as the building of schools, provision of potable water and providing agricultural services.
Interestingly, that is exactly what the Apostles of Peace Society International, APSI, has been doing over the years. As reflected in the welcome address by Ajisafe: “We have built and provided community water sources as social amenities to elevate the hygiene status in educational institutions, seminary, correctional centres and communities that are cut off from such essential supplies. We have built and managed food and home needs, banks and orphanages, offered medical services” amongst many other humanitarian services. Highly commendable, is it not?
Of course, that is Christianity in full action. That should be a wake-up call to us to mitigate the pains and poverty ravaging the victims of insurgency in Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs camps. As Ogunsola rightly noted, your neighbour is that person in need. We should offer spiritual and emotional support. We should be mentors, stimulate others to grow and give a listening ear to others in need. Your kindness can never be forgotten.
Furthermore, she emphasized the crying need for Nigerians to cultivate and imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, which she described as the other side of love. It is an action to be taken beyond mere wishful words and fanciful feelings.
In fact, she reminded those who listened with rapt attention on the Rwanda Genocide, and the important role played by Desmond Tutu through the ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ agenda. Quoting copiously from the biblical chapters and verses of the books of Matthew 5 verse 15, John 4 verse 34, John 9 verse 4, John 14 verse 27, Hebrews 6 verse 10 she highlighted the unfailing messages of peace and tolerance. And of course, that of Leviticus 19 verse 18 which admonishes us to “love our neighbours as we love ourselves”.
Charity begins at home. We should therefore, practicalize the peace we preach right from the home front, to our neighbours and places of work. If each and every one of us is peaceful that would grow into a mountain of peacefulness in our communities, and the country at large.
