REMARKS OF THE SPEAKER, DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY , RT. HON MONDAY IGBUYA AT THE INVESTITURE CEREMONY AND STATE DINNER IN HONOUR OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE RED CROSS
It is my pleasure to be part of this very special occasion today.
This occasion gladdens my heart for so many reasons. Of the many reasons, however, I feel most elated by the fact that this is recognition of our humble contributions to the cause of peace in Nigeria.
I am greatly humbled and honoured to be receiving this award.
I want to offer my sincere gratitude to volunteers, members and staff of the Nigerian Red Cross.
We are gathered here today for the investiture ceremony and State dinner in honour of the National President of the Red Cross.
We are also here to look at the issues of natural disaster, human life, relationships, suffering, health and conflict.
Peace is not just the absence of war, violence and hostilities but a situation in which all people have equal access to economic and social justice, and to the entire range of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in which the environment is protected.
The issues of peace, security and development are of direct concern to the members of the Delta State House of Assembly.
The Sixth Assembly has clearly demonstrated its commitment to the goal of achieving viable and sustainable peace in the state.
Peace is precious. The result of conflicts in Nigeria have remained the same; extreme destruction and devastation of lives and properties of citizens.
What must agitate your minds at this stage of the country’s development is the future of the Nigerian people.
What legacy are you bequeathing to your children and children yet unborn?
Nigerians must put aside all selfish considerations and concentrate efforts on the establishment and sustenance of peace.
We must be determined not to allow any provocation or incitement push us to war.
We must settle scores or resolve disputes arising from distribution of resources and status, perceived marginalisation and under representation peacefully.
I wish to express my personal gratitude and sincere appreciation to the National President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Elder/Chief Bola Akpan Anani, Acting Secretary General, Altilina Simon, Branch chairman of NRCS, Delta State, Prince Olatunde, Victor Olasupo (JP), volunteers, members and staff for the sterling work you have done in support of humanity and for the good of Nigeria.
There has been nothing but praise for Nigerian Red Cross Society in protecting the life and dignity of the victims of international and internal armed conflicts, responding to large scale emergencies and addressing the needs of displaced persons, refugees and the wounded.
The Delta State House of Assembly identifies completely with your objectives and is ever ready to support your initiatives in any way possible.
We will continue to identify and tackle issues causing and exacerbating vulnerabilities in the state.
I thank the Nigerian Red Cross for appreciating His Excellency’s humble contributions in violence prevention, comfort to the underprivileged and improvement in medical services.
In conclusion, I want to say how grateful i am to receive this award.
Again, thank you for making me Volunteer General.
RT HON (CHIEF) MONDAY OVWIGHO IGBUYA