The President-General and Founder of the United Nations Association of Africa (UNAA), Ambassador (Dr) Sylvester O. Okafor, has called on women to play more active roles as peacemakers in their families, communities, professions and across the world.
Okafor made the call in a message to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, held on Thursday at Pasture of Life Discipleship Ministry in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
In his message titled “Women, Become Peacemakers Everywhere, Anytime,” the UNAA President-General commended women for their virtues and contributions across different spheres of life.
“Women, I salute your rare virtues—your resilience, patience, wisdom, love, creativity, and strength. Your roles as mothers, professionals, home managers, administrators and leaders continue to shape societies and advance humanity,” he said.
He urged women to go beyond advocating peace to actively becoming agents of peace, especially at a time when the world is facing conflicts, crises and threats of war.
“On this International Women’s Day, I humbly appeal to women everywhere to become symbols and practitioners of peace. Let your actions, words and relationships reflect peace wherever you go,” Okafor said.
The UNAA President-General was represented at the event by the organisation’s Director of Special Duties, Ambassador (Prof) Onyeka Jaivbo-Ojigbo, who reiterated the crucial role women play in fostering harmony in society.
Okafor stressed that the global quest for peace would be incomplete without the active participation of women, urging them to promote dialogue, prayer and reconciliation in their homes, workplaces and communities.
He further called on women to pray for peace in the hearts of leaders at all levels—political, religious and community—while maintaining non-violent approaches in their efforts to promote harmony.
The UNAA leader also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting women’s rights and gender equality, noting that women remain indispensable partners in sustainable development and peacebuilding.
Okafor commended the collaboration between UNAA and the Pasture of Life Discipleship Ministry in marking the International Women’s Day event, describing it as a step in the right direction.
“As you leave here today, think peace, speak peace, act peace and live peace everywhere and at all times,” he urged.
The United Nations Association of Africa (UNAA) is an organisation in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSCOC).