By Sani Adamu Musa
The Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation (FUDECO) has been awarded the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Award by the United Nations Positive Livelihoods Awards Centre (UN-POLAC). The recognition was conferred during the 2024 United Nations Human Rights Day celebration held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.
The award citation praised FUDECO for its “tangible and significant assistance in promoting peace, fostering better understanding and friendly relations among people, and advancing cultural heritage and nomadic education.”
Delivering a virtual message during the event, UN Secretary-General António Guterres encouraged the awardees to act as ambassadors of peace and catalysts for national development. “This award is a call to greater service for humanity,” he noted.
Representing FUDECO’s Founder and Chairman, S.S. Nana, Alhaji Idris Namalle expressed gratitude for the unexpected recognition. He highlighted the organization’s commitment to peacebuilding and urged Nigerians to foster peaceful coexistence and reject hate speech, which often triggers violence. “There can be no sustainable development without peace,” Nana emphasized, while commending UN-POLAC for its significant contributions to humanity.
The Director-General of UN-POLAC, Prof. Obong Halo B. Eton, represented by Pastor Dr. Z. A. Ogunsanya, reiterated the Centre’s dedication to human rights and sustainable development. He announced the launch of a comprehensive training program for Certified Peace Advocates, aimed at empowering individuals to mediate conflicts and promote peace within their communities.
Dr. Cynthia Amaka Obiorah, Director of Women and Children at UN-POLAC, represented by Mrs. Tosin Shonibare, underlined the critical role of women in advancing peace and human rights. The event also featured the appointment of new Peace Advocates and the Distinguished Woman of Peace and Honours Awards (DWOPHA).
Keynote speaker, Professor Joseph Legend of the University of Costa Rica, emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence in Nigeria’s multiethnic society for national stability and progress. Similarly, Deputy Country President of UN-POLAC, Engr. Peter Ohagwa, urged Nigerians to use their voices and votes to ensure a peaceful society, stressing that peacebuilding efforts are most effective when anchored on local traditions and dynamics.
UN-POLAC’s 1st Deputy Country President, Dr. Muhammed Adamu Dodo, commended FUDECO’s groundbreaking efforts in promoting unity, education, and Fulbe cultural heritage. “This recognition underscores FUDECO’s legendary contributions to peace, security, and development in pastoralist communities,” he said.
The event also reflected on UN-POLAC’s strides in advancing the SDGs and UNESCO’s Culture of Peace Programme through advocacy and training.
FUDECO operates as a humanitarian development NGO and Participatory Action Research Network in 13 Nigerian states. Its recognition by UN-POLAC cements its position as a vital force in fostering peace and sustainable development.