By Ovat Abeng
Peace and Positive Living Awareness Centre (PEPOLAC) has laid the foundation for its Peace and Leadership Centre multi-purpose building project at Okpenubve Estate, beside the International Convention Centre, Agu-Awka, Anambra State, a project estimated to cost one point two billion naira.
The Peace and Leadership Centre, upon completion, will house a multi-purpose conference hall, offices for the International College of Peace Advocates, peace education, tourism and diplomatic offices, executive offices, guest rooms and suites, as well as landscaped surroundings, among others.
In an address at the event, the International President of PEPOLAC, Bishop Ozioma Ozoemena, stated that the project, when completed, will promote peace, education, and conflict prevention mechanisms across communities, strengthen leadership capacity at grassroots, national, and international levels, and provide a platform for training, conferences, and international collaborations on sustainable development, while appealing to governments at all levels, corporate organisations, development partners, and lovers of peace to partner with the organisation in executing the project, which is expected to be completed within two years.
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According to Ozoemena, “today marks not just the laying of blocks and mortar, but the laying of a legacy—a legacy of peace, visionary leadership, and sustainable development that will transcend generations.
“The Peace and Leadership Centre was conceived out of a compelling need—a need to institutionalize peacebuilding, leadership development, and social transformation in a rapidly evolving world. In a time when conflicts, social fragmentation, and leadership challenges persist across communities and nations, this Centre stands as a beacon of hope and a hub for solutions.
“Our vision is to build a world-class facility that will serve as: training ground for transformative leaders, a research and policy hub for peace and development, a dialogue platform for conflict resolution, and a centre for community empowerment and social cohesion.
“This centre is not just for Anambra State. It is for the entire South East, for Nigeria, and indeed for the global community.
“The significance of this centre cannot be overstated. When completed, it will, Promote peace education and conflict prevention mechanisms across communities. Strengthen leadership capacity at grassroots, national, and international levels. Serve as a think-tank for policy formulation on peace and governance. Provide training, conferences, and international collaborations on sustainable development and Empower youths, women, and vulnerable groups with tools for positive living and nation-building.
“Just as globally renowned institutions have shaped discourse and policy across continents, we envision this Centre to stand in that league—a symbol of excellence, credibility, and impact.
“Visions of this magnitude require collective ownership. This is why today, I make a passionate appeal for all hands to be on deck to ensure the swift realization of this noble project which is estimated to cost 1.2 billion naira, including the access road and acquisition of more land space to take fully the project, we call on government at all levels, corporate organizations, development partners, philanthropists, community leaders and every lover of peace to partner with us in bringing this vision to life.
“Support can come in various forms, including building materials such as cement, rods, chippings, sand, and other resources necessary for construction.
“In recognition of generosity and commitment, we shall immortalize our distinguished donors in the Peace House Hall of Fame, categorized as: “Platinum Donors, Diamond Donors, Gold Donors, Silver Donors and Bronze Donors.
“This is not merely about recognition—it is about preserving a legacy of those who stood for peace, progress, and humanity.
“At this juncture, we humbly appeal for the support of the Anambra State Government in providing access roads to this estate. It is noteworthy that through collective community effort, we have already taken proactive steps by organizing property owners to contribute towards constructing culverts, gutters, and grading the road.
“In due course, we shall constitute a competent Board of Directors that will manage and oversee the operations of the Centre, ensuring it fulfills its mandate as a globally recognized institution for peace, leadership, and sustainable development.
“These efforts have already begun to attract developers and open up the area for growth.
“With government intervention, this location will rapidly transform into a strategic development hub.
Bishop Ozoemena, while appreciating governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for ensuring enabling environment for development initiatives, assure all stakeholders and partners that PEPOLAC remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and sustainability.
In their separate remarks, former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Mike Mbama Okiro, Ambassador Francis Ikechukwu, and the project engineer, Engineer Victory Nnaemeka, who was inducted into the organisation during the event, commended Bishop Ozoemena for the initiative and called on government and well-meaning individuals to support the project, noting that it will contribute significantly to peace-building in society.
The event also featured the induction of new ambassadors of peace and the ceremonial laying of the foundation blocks.
