By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – The Peace Ambassadors Center for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment (PACHE) and the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) have awarded Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali, the Managing Director and CEO of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), the esteemed Ambassador of Peace award.

The award was presented on Thursday during a conference at the University of Maiduguri’s El Kanemi Hall, marking the International Day of Peace 2023. The event’s theme was “Actions for Peace, Our Ambition for the #Global Goals.”

PACHE President, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, explained that the award is given to notable societal leaders in recognition of their humility, accountability, and transparency. It also acknowledges their active contributions to peace and development processes, including support for rehabilitation and reconstruction infrastructure in the North East.

Shehu added that the UPF and PACHE identified several distinguished leaders for the award, which serves as a critical recognition for those acting as catalysts in strategic and developmental peace-building processes and action plans.

Dr. Moncef Kartas, the UNDP North East Head Office Manager, presented the award to Alhaji Akali. He congratulated the NEDC CEO and expressed appreciation for the commission’s top management.

Various speakers at the event delivered goodwill messages on the commemoration of International Peace Day, mostly stressing the need for stronger collaboration, improved security, partnership, education, job creation, poverty alleviation, and transitional justice, as a panacea for peace, and reconciliation.