Otti Applauds Rotary Club’s Humanitarian Works, Pledges Support for Peace Initiative

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has applauded the Rotary Club International for its humanitarian works across the globe, pledging support for its peace initiative in the State.

The Governor was speaking on Monday, in Government House during a press conference by Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP)- Nigeria Chapter, Abia State Branch to launch and domesticate the National Community Violence Reduction Programme (NCVRP), an initiative of the federal government Abia state.

The Governor, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha noted that the peace initiative, described as a very noble one from the Rotary Club, aligns perfectly with his government’s policy thrust.

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The Governor, said he had, on assumption of office, declared a state of emergency on security, reminded the people of his resolve that, under his watch, “no part of Abia State will be ceded to criminal elements.

The state chief executive, while applauding Rotary International Club for its peace initiative, noted that peace is more than important because nothing can succeed outside it, including democracy.

He declared the Action for Peace initiative domesticated in Abia state.
and assured of his support to the initiative.

He used the opportunity to wish both Rotary International Club and one of its members and past Assistant Governor, Lady Chinedu Brown a happy anniversary and birthday respectively.

Speaking at the press conference, the Abia State Coordinator, Rotary Action Group for Peace in Nigeria Abia State Branch Rtr. Sunny Megwara, noted that the initiative – National Community Violence Reduction Programme was launched nationally in August 2025, by the federal government.

Megwara stressed the need for it to be domesticated in all states of the federation including Abia,

He described peace as the bedrock of development and prosperity in any society.

He that the NCVRP was designed to tackle terrorism, banditry, cultism, youth restiveness, gender-based violence, enhance community resilience, promote social cohesion, strengthen local Government and law enforcement, while restoring dignity and opportunities to vulnerable communities.

Rtn. Megwara said that the programme is expected to ignite a new era of grassroots peacebuilding by empowering communities to resist violence.

“We are talking about peace. Not just peace, but what we call positive peace.

“Because there is a distinction between peace, which people understand as the absence of war, and positive peace, which has to do with everything including governance, good governance, good neighbourliness, free flow of communication, equitable distribution of people’s resources, and things like that.

“So we are here today, as this programme is being launched nationwide, we are here to bring peace home to Nigerians,” Megwara stated.

He called on all to be part of the project, saying that one must not be a Rotarian before he joins them to achieve peace.

Contributing, a past Assistant Governor of Rotary International Club and former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Chinedu Brown said that Rotary coordinates and collaborates to provide access to clean water, health, livelihoods, and other humanitarian services across the country.

She noted that their collective resolve is not only responding to the symptoms of violence, but also addressing its root causes that continue to endanger lives, livelihoods, and promises of a stable future.

Many Rotarians, Rotrators were present at the press conference, which coincided with the anniversary of Rotary International Club and birthday of Lady Chinedu Brown .