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In its continuous effort to rejig local government service administration, ensure productivity and peace building, the Local Government Service Commission has sealed partnership with the Institute for Universal Harmony, University of Calabar, to train staff on Conflict Resolution and Peace Advocacy. 

The partnership was reached when the leadership of the Institute paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman and Commission Members. 

Briefing the Chairman on the importance of the program and possible areas of collaboration, the International President of the Institute, Dr. Charles A. Bassey, disclosed that the choice of Local Government Service Commission is because of its critical role in training and development of manpower for public service. 

"The Institute for Universal Harmony is a professional training institution, collaborating with the University of Calabar. This visit is very important because, we consider the Commission as a critical government organization for training and manpower development, especially Local government employees." 

"We are into conflict resolution and peace advocacy and we believe, as government managers, that the staff need this specialized knowledge to enable them handle government affairs properly. That is why we came officially to introduce the Institute and our operations in the state."

Dr Charles further unveiled the Institute's 12 weeks online and onsite Executive Professional Training Programs in Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, with specialization in areas such as Arbitration; Mediation; Investigation; Counseling and Reconciliation. .He also hinted that certification will be issued at the end of the training with award of certificates in Conflict Resolution Management and Peace Advocacy. 

Commending the initiative, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr Darlington Bassey Eyo, conveyed the commission's interest and readiness to engage the Institute for overall development of staff in the stated areas, while underscoring the importance of peace building advocacy for community development. 

"This is quite timely. We want to go into robust training of our staff and we need to get a lot of them to be trained on peace advocacy, because and you will agree with me, that any community without peace, cannot grow and the governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, is very serious about matters of peace and security."

The chairman further gave his assurances of cascading the training to include local government council officials and the traditional rulers, who according to him, are gatekeepers that ensure local communities are kept safe, secured and peaceful. 

This partnership is tune with the commission's avowed mandate which is centered on training and retraining of workforce. 

Highpoint of the visit was presentation of proposal for partnership by the president of the Institute and official endorsement of the Institute's programs by the commission chairman.

Dr. King Charles E. Bassey, the International President of the Institute for Universal Harmony (TIFUH), in collaboration with the University of Calabar, conferred the prestigious Ambassador of Peace Award on Her Excellency, Bishop (Mrs) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State, on August 15, 2025, in Calabar.

The award celebrates her exceptional dedication to fostering peace, unity, and social harmony in Cross River State and Nigeria at large. It also highlights her tireless commitment to humanitarian service and nation-building.

In her acceptance remarks, Her Excellency expressed deep gratitude to TIFUH and the University of Calabar for the honor. She commended their efforts in championing peace-building initiatives and reaffirmed her personal dedication to the cause of humanity. Furthermore, she pledged her continuous support for TIFUH’s training programs while encouraging the Cross River State Government and Nigerians across all walks of life to embrace and participate in peace initiatives for a more united and harmonious society.

The Institute for Universal Harmony (TIFUH), in collaboration with the University of Calabar, has successfully inaugurated Hon. Patrick Asikpo Okon as the State Exco Chairman and launched a Scholarship Fund for the Training of Peace Practitioners in Nigeria. The event, held at the Cross River Community Hall, University of Calabar, drew dignitaries from across the state and beyond.

The inauguration, chaired by Mr. Edwin Okon, Chairman, Internal Revenue Service (CRS), featured the presence of Governor, His Excellency Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu (Very Special Guest of Honour), Her Excellency Bishop Dr. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu (Mother of the Day), Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, and other top officials including Distinguished Sen. Dr. Barr. Stephen Odey, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, and Prof. Florence Banku Obi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, who served as Chief Host.

In their goodwill messages, speakers commended Hon. Okon for his leadership and dedication to peacebuilding, describing his inauguration as a milestone for conflict resolution initiatives in Cross River State. The newly launched Scholarship Fund was praised as a bold step toward equipping young Nigerians with vital skills in peace education and conflict management.

In her remarks, Prof. Florence Obi lauded the collaboration between TIFUH and the University, noting that such partnerships strengthen academia’s role in promoting peace and social transformation.

The event ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to support the Scholarship Fund, making the inauguration a resounding success and a boost for peace advocacy in Nigeria.

Executive Chairman, Obanliku Local Government Area

On behalf of the Institute for Universal Harmony, Amb. Pius Betiang Adie (a renowed Conflict Resolution/Management  expert  & Peace Advocates)  had the privilege of presenting the official Nomination Letter to the Executive Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP, recognizing him as a distinguished awardee in the forthcoming convocation ceremony of her batch B, Executive Intakes slated for 26th September 2025,@ Senate Chambers of UNICAL as a result of his outstanding leadership in peace and conflict management.

The Institute delegated me with this honor in acknowledgment of Dr. Ayang’s unique potentials and exceptional record in fostering grassroots peace, strengthening community security, and promoting dialogue-driven governance. His administration has consistently demonstrated vision and inclusivity, making him stand out among his peers as a model of local government leadership committed to harmony and development.

During the presentation, the Chairman warmly received the nomination, expressing gratitude for the recognition and reaffirming his dedication to building peace and trust among the people of Obanliku. The moment marked not only an acknowledgment of his past achievements but also a renewed call to advance the culture of dialogue, cooperation, and sustainable development.

The Institute for Universal Harmony is proud to celebrate Hon. Chief (Dr.) Sunny Ayang, JP, as a leader of substance and an example of how governance and conflict management can be effectively intertwined for the good of society.

🌍  Peace & Conflict Insights with PIUS BETIANG ADIE. 

##Dialogue first, violence never#

On this blessed occasion, the Institute for Universal Harmony, together with its peace advocate and conflict resolution scholar, Amb. Pius Betiang Adie, extends warm greetings to all our Muslim brothers and sisters.

This sacred day is a reminder of the enduring values of faith, humility, unity, and peace — values that strengthen communities and reflect the mission of our Institute to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence across societies.

May this day renew our collective commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding, ensuring that peace is not only spoken but practiced in our daily lives.

🌙 Happy Muslim Day! 🌙