By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The National President of
Women for Peace in Nigeria (WOPIN), Dr. Maryam C. Abdullahi has reiterated that the organization was established on September 18th 1998, with a clear mission to ease the burden of womanhood in societies and communities Nigeria
She however explained that over the years, WOPIN, a NGO saddled with the responsible for championing the course of women, metamorphoses into a global alliance of individuals and organizations with conflict management and transformation skills, while also advocating for religious tolerance, respect for our diverse ethnicity and human dignity.
The President made the remarks Wednesday in a speech at the occasion of the 27th anniversary of WOPIN and the Humanitarian Awards by the 21 century pan African royalty worldwide in London held Merit House, Abuja Nigeria.
She said they’ve gathered on the Wednesday, to mark a significant milestone – celebrating 27th remarkable years of fostering peace and harmony in Nigeria, adding that their journey is characterized by dedicated partnerships and the collective efforts of our 15, 638 strong members.
“Our membership comprises a vibrant community – 3,324 youths who bring energy and innovation; 382 man who contribute leadership and strength and notably, our women make up the majority of 11,932 members, underscoring their pivotal role in our peace building endeavors.
“Over 27 years, we have pursued our mission with unwavering commitment, It is about the mothers who share their last meals so that someone else will not go to bed hungry and young girls who study by the candle light because she believes education will light up her future.
“We faced challenges and we celebrated triumphs. Through partnerships and community engagement our peace building work in Nigeria has touched lives, promoted dialogue, and supported communities.
“We have witnessed the impact of engaging youths in peace processes, the power of interfaith understanding and the resilience of Nigerians in adversity, with our membership base, we have extended our reach, empowered voices and contributed to conflict resolution and social cohesion efforts”, she narrated.
Highlights of WOPIN work , she said, include empowering youths for peace advocacy, building bridges between communities, supporting initiatives for tolerance and coexistence and collaborating with local leaders for peace.
She also stated that as they reflect on their performance over the past 27 years, they have made strides in resolving conflicts and have reconciled families because we believe peace starts from the home.
“We have organized family programs and we are proud to say that over 300 families are back together because of our interventions. We believe peace starts from home” she added.
In Education, WOPIN has sponsored students through their scholarship program, adding, “We appreciate Finpat Primary and Secondary School and others, we would also like to acknowledge the support of Late First Lady Stella Obasanjo, she was a beacon of hope”.
“Under health care we championed the HIV/AIDS Campaign, mobilizing people living positive and they were supported by the Kaduna State Government then. Our care and support program for orphans, sponsored by UNICEF, was also a huge success.
“As we reflect on our journey, we acknowledge the resilience of our team, the support of partners and the trust of communities we have served”, she reiterated.
The event was witnessed by national and international dignitaries including Ambassadors, Peace Diplomats, stakeholders, philanthropic volunteers and beneficiaries.
She also extended sincere appreciation to the chairman of the 21st Century Pan African Royalties Worldwide, London, alongside esteemed team members from Ghana his Royal Majesty Nana King professor Barthsy Ojoi Enebiene RGJP, AGPP,- Aba’Obazi 4 NJJ Ashangbor Obakweman 2 of Greater Accra Ghana, Kenya, Burkina Faso and our Royal Fathers-I greet you all and I appreciate each one of you.
According to her, their dedication has been instrumental, “looking ahead, we recommit to our vision to deepen our impact, innovate our approaches and expand our reach”.
Earlier, she said “When I was growing up, my dreams were simple, to help when I could, to give what I had and to make a difference in the lives of the needy around me.
“I recall watching women who worked from sunrise to sunset, carrying baskets on their heads and hopes in their hearts. They are not only mothers to their children but pillars of their communities”, she noted.
END
