Peace Corps Partners Anambra Government on Youth Value Reformation
By Chibuzo Obidike
The South East Command of the Peace Corps of Nigeria has joined the rest of the world to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace, with a renewed commitment to youth value reformation, peace building and community development.
The programme, held on Monday, September 21, 2026, was organised by the Peace Corps of Nigeria and its institutional partners to promote the United Nations theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
Speaking on behalf of the National Commandant, Dr Dickson A.O. Akoh, the South East Zonal Commandant, Mr Victor Ogbonna, said peace should be deliberately cultivated through dialogue, mutual respect, civic responsibility and grassroots participation.
He called on Nigerian youths to reject violence and avoid being used for unlawful activities, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. He urged young people to embrace peaceful participation and contribute positively to democratic development.
Receiving the South East Command at the Anambra State Ministry of Youths and Sports, the Commissioner, Mr Patrick Aghamba, represented by the Director of Youth Development, Mr Martins Ezeilo, commended the Peace Corps for its volunteer based contribution to nation building.
Ezeilo assured the organisation of the ministry’s continued partnership, noting that the Anambra Government remains committed to programmes that promote youth development and empowerment. He also highlighted some of the achievements of the Soludo administration through the ministry in advancing opportunities for young people across the state.
The Anambra Commandant of the Peace Corps, Mr Innocent Okolo, said the organisation’s mandate includes youth development and empowerment, volunteerism, community service, neighbourhood watch and peace building. He said the command would continue working with the state government on youth value reformation and other initiatives that promote peaceful communities.
As part of activities marking the celebration, the South East Peace Corps also visited the Amawbia Correctional Centre with food items and words of encouragement for inmates undergoing rehabilitation.
Receiving the delegation, the Deputy Controller of the Correctional Centre, Mr Innocent Amechi, expressed appreciation for the visit, saying it reminded the inmates that they had not been forgotten. He encouraged them to remain committed to their rehabilitation, stressing that correctional facilities are meant to reform and not reject people.
Other Peace Corps officials present included the Imo State Commandant, Chibuzo Ozuo, Enugu State Commandant, Marawai, Abia State Commandant, Ebenezer Onyemba, and Ebonyi State Commandant, Nweke Nworie.
