Archives January 2025

Senate Affirms Dickson Akoh Owner of Peace Corps Bill

The Senate Thursday affirmed the National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Professor Dickson Akoh, as the owner of the bill,  it along with the House of Representatives, legislated upon and transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent last month.

The bill as stated in a statement signed by Senator Ali Ndume in his capacity as the sponsor in the Senate, seeks for an Act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps which was accordingly considered, harmonised, and adopted by the two chambers of the National Assembly.

It also declared that any other group or individual, laying claim and parading itself as Nigerian Peace Corps, is illegal.

Affirmation of Dickson Akoh led Peace Corps by the Senate as the authentic body that approached it and the House of Representatives for consideration and passage of the bill, arose from claims being made by one Mustapha that he is the owner of the bill.

The statement reads: “The attention of the leadership of the Senate and indeed the National Assembly has been drawn to different groups laying claims to the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps which was harmonized and adopted by the two Chambers of the National Assembly.

“The Bill as passed by the two Chambers of the National Assembly is solely sponsored by the current Peace Corps of Nigeria under the headship of Prof. Dickson Akoh as the National Commandant.

“Since the Bill was transmitted to Mr President for his assent by the Clerk of the National Assembly on the 12th April 2023, the Senate has been inundated with several entreaties as to the status of the Bill, especially the Organization that is sought to give statutory backing after Mr. President’s assent to the Bill.

“To put the record straight, Part VIII of the Bill titled “Dissolution of the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria and Savings” explicitly provides that at the commencement of the Act that the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria will be dissolved and transmuted to the Nigerian Peace Corps. The import of this, therefore, is that the Bill only sought to give statutory backing to the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria under the leadership of Prof. Dickson Akoh.

“Also, on the issue of the nomenclature of the headship of the proposed Nigerian Peace Corps, the title is National Commandant as contained in Part III, Section 11(1) of the Bill as passed and not Commandant General as widely been speculated.

“However, the Bill made adequate provision in Section 38 (8) was made to accommodate individuals, groups, associations or bodies that have shown or demonstrated interest to be absorbed as members of the Corps shall be absorbed subject to the mandatory basic training and orientation programme of the Corps as prescribed on the commencement of this Act.

“It is important to say that effect cannot be given to this Bill until same is assented into Law by Mr President. Therefore, any group laying claim and parading itself as Nigerian Peace Corps, for now, is illegal.

Peace Corps National Commandant, Prof Akoh Seeks Buhari’s assent to Nigeria Peace Corps Bill

The National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Professor, Dickson Ameh Akoh has appealed passionately with President Muhammadu Buhari to  this time around, assent to a Bill for an Act that would make the organization a statutory body.

The Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) passed by the two Chambers of the National Assembly is currently on the table of President Buhari for assent having been transmitted to him last week.

However, addressing a World Press Conference on the development in Abuja on Thursday, Prof Akoh said that President Buhari will bequeath a lasting parting gift to the Nigerian youth and would be remembered for good when he assented to the Bill.

Justifying the need for Buhari to sign the Bill, Akoh explained that its entire contents, especially the functions contained in the Bill is a summation of an inclusive empowerment programmes for the youth and on how to harness their innate potentials for the over all tasks of nation-building.

According to him, the passage of the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill is not only timely, reassuring and a renewed hope for the Nigerian youth, but also a pointer to the fact that the political elites is still very much conscious of the social challenges confronting the youth and therefore, passionate on proffering solutions to the challenges to same in order to place the youth in the front burner of our  national life.

Akoh said to underscore the high level of acceptability of the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill, opinion polls conducted in 2017 by The Nation Newspaper, Naija.com and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA-Good Morning Nigeria) revealed that 89%, 76% and 97% respectively supported the establishment of the Nigerian Peace Corps.

Similarly, he said that Premium Times, an online publication and Punch Newspaper conducted opinion poll on the Bill and returned a favourable verdict of 85% and 93% respectively in its support.

“Concerned with the increasing waves of unemployment and high level of poverty in the land, both past and present administrations initiated different intervention policies to mitigate these challenges.

“Some of these initiatives are Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P), You- Win, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), N-Power, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Government Intervention Funds (GIF), Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and Social Safety Net (SSN).

“It is a proven fact and incontrovertible reality that once these ‘Financial Handouts’ are no longer forthcoming or delayed in coming, these same Youths go back to the streets on protest or quickly revert to social ills and unproductive preoccupations, and even sometimes back-lashing the Government.

“However, it is advisable that a more robust, sustainable and institutionalized approach be adopted to ensure irreversibility of conditions and welfare status of our youths. In more developed economies, efforts are tailored towards the pre-occupation of the youths in productive ventures where they will be economically useful to themselves and the larger society.

“This is in addition to engaging them in moral, citizenship and leadership training aimed at character building and their valuable participation in nation-building.

“In the United States of America, for instance, the American Peace Corps was created as an agency to promote World Peace and Friendship by training American youths as volunteers to perform social and humanitarian services overseas, including Nigeria.

“The volunteers help communities in Developing Countries improve their Social and Economic conditions.

“The dynamic nature of insecurity in Nigeria today requires role differentiation as a panacea to expertise in addressing security challenges. It also requires multi- sectoral, multi- lateral and multi- dimensional approaches to tackle.

“In more advanced societies, Youth Based Organisations like the Nigerian Peace Corps, are established with the sole aim of engaging and pre-occupying the youths as a panacea to the social consequences of been unemployed.

“Similar organisations that exist in other parts of the world are: the American Peace Corps, Canadian Peace Corps, Bangladesh National Cadet Corps, Peace Officers Commission in China, Chinese Labour Corps, Lera Uniform Corps of Malaysia, Malaysian People Volunteer Corps, Production and Construction Corps of China.

“All these are consciously and deliberately designed to empower and socially pre-occupy the youths so that their state of idleness won’t be exploited adversely.

Akoh thanked the leadership and entire members of the 9th National Assembly for the extraordinary and unanimous support given to his Organisation all through the legislative processes leading to the eventual passage  of the Bill for an Act to Establish Nigerian Peace Corps.

He said that the overwhelming support accorded the Bill by the members of the Senate and House of Representatives would be recognised and celebrated by all bonafide members of the Corps.

“While we particularly note with deep appreciation, the cordial efforts and support for our Bill, it is our most considered view that the  members of the 9th Assembly, have through the passage of the Bill, demonstrated their strong passion and commitment to the emancipation of Nigerian Youth through  genuine youth empowerment and development, which are prerequisite for addressing the increasing wave of unemployment and its social consequences upon the nation.

“However, we assure them that when the history of this Organisation is written, their names will have a pride of place and be written in gold.

Akoh also thanked media in the country for the support to the Peace Corps and the eventual passage of the Bill.

“II wish to re-assure you that we will remain a veritable partner as we hope to transit from a Non-Governmental Organisation to a Government Agency with the anticipated assent of the Bill by Mr President”.

Traditional Rulers To Table Peace Corps Bill Assent Before Tinubu

Three prominent traditional rulers on Monday in Abuja hinted that monarchs in the country will table before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the need to give Presidential Assent to the Bill of the Peace Corps of Nigeria to make it a statutory body.

The traditional rulers, Etsu Nupe, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse and the Ochi-idoma of Idomaland, Dr John Eliagwu expressed optimism that making Peace Corps a government establishment would not only create jobs for the teaming jobless youths but will considerable reduce crime rate in the country.

In their separate remarks at a public event put together by the Peace Corps, the three monarchs pleaded with President Tinubu to immediately give a second thought to the issue of transforming the Peace Corps from a non governmental organization to a government body.

At the public function attended by top Federal Government functionaries, Etsu Nupe said that monarchs in the country would deliberate on the Peace Corps matters, come up with a position paper that would be tabled before President Tinubu.

He blamed the past refusal of assent to the PCN Bill on misconception adding that the Corps was not founded to wrestle power from any other security agency but to contribute to youth development and crime reduction through robust intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.

“The truth is that without peace, no one in the country would be able to worship his or creator. Peace Corps mission was unjustly misconstrued, the monarch said.

The Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional rulers pleaded with the existing security agencies to allow Peace Corps come on board, cooperate with it, collaborate with it in the peace initiative that would reduce incidences of I security in the country.

He lauded the initiative of the founder of the organization, Professor Dickson Ameh Akoh and the resilience that had sustained the body in the past 25 years in the face of stiff opposition.

The Tor Tiv and Chairman of Benue State Council of traditional Rulers said that monarchs stand for the course of the Peace Corps and would mobilize themselves and well meaning Nigerians to give support for the Bill to be assented to.

He said with the strong voice of Etsu Nupe in the National Traditional Council, what is humanly possible would be done to get President Tinubu’s assent for the PCN Bill.

“We are the closest people to the grassroots level. We know what peace means and what the Peace Corps can do. We are begin other bodies not to see PCN as threat. There is no room for competition but complementation with each other.

In his own remarks, the Ochi-idoma pleaded with Tinubu to give approval for the Establishment Act to further demonstrate his concern to address unemployment among youths.

National Commandant of the Corps had recalled with regret how The 8th and 9th National Assemblies passed the bill for the Establishment of the Corps as a statutory body but was not assented to by the Presidency.

Akoh noted that during the stiff opposition to the existence of the body, he was detained for seven and half years while the Corps won over 30 cases in court.

He praised the resilience of officers and volunteers of the Corps for remaining committed to the noble cause of the organization inspite of the numerous challenges.

SILVER JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY EVENT GALLERY

Writen by Kayode Lawal, Abuja

APPRECIATION FOR THE SILVER JUBILEE CELEBERATION!

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Peace Corps Council, the National Executive Council and the entire Officers and Men of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, the 2023 Anniversary Planning Committee express her deepest gratitude and appreciation to all those that took out time to grace our Silver Jubilee Celebration/Banquet night.

To you your Excellencies, Royal Fathers, Distinguished Guests and award Recipients, we say we are very grateful and acknowledge that your presence added immeasurable values to the Silver Jubilee Celebration at the NAF Conference Center, Kado, Abuja on the 10th of July, 2023.

We are thankful also to the Guest Speaker and the Keynote Speaker who did justice to the topic of the day.

Our hope towards the ultimate destination is now rekindled and refreshed for the task ahead.

@ 25, the Peace Corps of Nigeria is on transition and soon, the bell of hope beckoning will announce the entrance of Nigerian Peace Corps.

SILVER JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY EVENT PHOTOS

#PCN_IS_25YEARS
#PCN_AT_25
#pcn_silver_jubilee_2023
#NPCbill

God bless Peace Corps of Nigeria!
God bless Nigerian Peace Corps Establishments Bill!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

To you all, we say a very big thank you.

Dr. Oyemike Micheal Oyemike
Chairman, Anniversary Planning Committee
( Deputy National Commandant, Training and Operations)

Nigeria fully ripe to have own statutory Peace Corps, Abuja monarch.

A traditional ruler in Abuja, Alhaji Umaru Bayero has clarified that Nigeria is now fully ripe to have her statutory Peace Corps like the advanced nations of the world.

Alhaji Bayero who is the District Head of Gwarinpa Community opined that once the Peace Corps of Nigeria becomes a statutory body, the on-going youth restiveness in the country would give way.

Speaking at a 3-day retreat and leadership training for the principal officers of the Peace Corps of Nigeria PCN holding in Abuja, the monarch appealed

In his own speech, the District Head of Gwarinpa,  Alhaji Umaru Bayero called

for speedy passage of the Nigeria Peace Corps Bill by the National Assembly and transmission of same to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent to make PCN a statutory body.

The Gwarinpa District Community Head said that traditional rulers are feeling the heat of the youth restiveness than any other groups because they live with the youths.

According to him, the involvement of peace corps officers in community development would a great advantage to the country as soon as the organization becomes a statutory body.

He pleaded with President Tinubu not to hestate to give assent to the Nigeria Peace Corps Establishment Bill when transmitted to him adding that high level of education of the Corps officers would make community development achievable.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim has warmed youths in the country against using the downturn in the economy as a license to go into crimes.

The Minister explained that economic downturn is a global phenomenon and not peculiar to Nigeria alone, hence, should not be used as justification for any form of criminality.

She issued the warning in Abuja on Thursday at a Retreat and Leadership Training Course for principal officers of the Peace Corps of Nigeria.

The Minister whose speech was delivered by the Chief Youth Development Officer of the Federal Minister of Youth Development, Mr Isaac Adeyinka Adeagbo appealed to youths to be more focused in the face of the challenging economy.

Specifically, the Minister counselled the youths to use the challenge posed by the economy to prepare themselves to be socially and economically responsible.

While thanking the Peace Corps of Nigeria for organizing the retreat, the Minister assured that her Ministry would always partner with any youth development organization in the country in the task of building an egalitarian nation.

She appealed to the generality of Nigerians to embrace and preach peace adding that no meaningful development can take place without peace and security.

“As for all well meaning Nigerians, all hands must be on deck to achieve the new hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so as to take Nigeria back to the right path”, the Minister pleaded.

Also speaking at the occasion, the National Commandant of the Corps, Dr Dickson Ameh Akoh appealed to the federal government to create opportunity for youths to grow and contribute to the general development of the country.

He pleaded with the President Tinubu to be prepared to give assent to the Nigeria Peace Corps Establishment Bill when passed by the National Assembly adding that it would serve as the greatest presidential gift to youths in Nigeria.”

Unemployment rate: Peace Corps Bill draws fresh attention

Nigerians are optimistic that signing the Nigeria Peace Corps bill will remove many unemployed citizens from the streets.
This is coming amid controversies over the unemployment rate in the country.

The urgency surrounding the Peace Corps Bill is underscored by the disconcerting unemployment statistics recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

In the first quarter (Q1) of 2023, the unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent.

Before concluding his tenure on May 29, 2023, President Buhari received a number of bills for his assent, including the prominent Nigeria Peace Corps bill.

This legislation, sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume, aimed to legitimise the establishment of the Peace Corps as a government entity, affording legal recognition to all serving members of the Peace Corps of Nigeria.

Founded by Dickson Akoh, the Peace Corps has ardently championed peace-building and youth empowerment endeavours across the nation.

Nevertheless, the organisation has grappled with challenges stemming from its lack of legal footing and acknowledgment as a government parastatal.

A pivotal point in the bill’s journey was President Buhari’s rejection in 2018.

His concerns encompassed national security implications and the fiscal burden of sustaining the organisation.

Yet, in the 9th Senate, the bill was reintroduced, fostering optimism that it might finally secure the essential assent.

But upon assumption of office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is yet to make a comment on the pending bill.

Some youths, including activist Fred Agbaje, James Akoji, Emmanuel Uduh, and Damiete Paul, collectively urged President Tinubu to recognize the bill’s potential for resolving the nation’s unemployment crisis.

Fred Agbaje, “The Peace Corps Bill isn’t just about an organisation; it’s about hope for millions of unemployed youths. Tinubu’s support could be the key to unlocking a better future.”

James Akoji, “Tinubu’s decision carries the weight of our dreams. The Peace Corps offers a chance for youth engagement and positive change. We urge him to seize this opportunity.”

Emmanuel Uduh, “As the unemployment crisis deepens, the Peace Corps Bill stands as a beacon of hope. Tinubu’s endorsement could redefine the future for our generation.”

Damiete Paul, “We’re not just asking for a signature; we’re asking for a lifeline. The Peace Corps can empower us to make a difference. We implore Tinubu to stand with us.”

Aondona Shija, “This isn’t just about a bill; it’s about empowering our youth to shape our nation’s destiny. Let’s rally behind the Peace Corps and the vision it holds.”

Agnes Luga, “The Peace Corps Bill isn’t just policy; it’s a commitment to our youth’s future. I believe in its potential and call for collective endorsement.

“We’re at a juncture where the Peace Corps could be a catalyst for change. Let’s hope Tinubu recognizes the opportunity and the difference it can make.”

Eunice Agaigbe, “The youths hold the keys to our nation’s progress. The Peace Corps Bill can provide a path forward. Let’s unite behind its cause.”

Peace Corps Pays Congratulatory Visit To Vice President Elect

The Vice President-Elect, His Excellency, Kashim Shettima on Saturday, 27 May, 2023 receive the delegation of Peace Corps of Nigeria Officers led by its National Commandant, Prof. Dickson Akoh in his Abuja Residence.

Prof. Akoh stated that the visit was to congratulate the Vice President Elect on his well deserved victory from the just concluded General Elections, and also to appreciate him for the enormous support he gave to the Peace Corps of Nigeria at the National Assembly which led to the smooth passage and harmonization of the Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill.

Akoh eulogized the Vice President Elect for his outstanding performance since elected, he added that the Youth of Nigeria are very proud of him for his vocal and intelligent display at public functions so far.

In his reaction, the Vice President Elect thanked Prof. Dickson Akoh and members of the Peace Corps of Nigeria for the visit, he expressed optimism that the Organization which is on transit at the moment will enjoy the full support of their government when sworn in to office. He assured that the Nigeria Peace Corps Bill will see the light of the day.

He stated further that the Nigerian Peace Corps is coming at the right time when her service to the nation is most needed. The Vice President promised to continue his support for the Organization even after assumption of Office as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of Congratulatory card to the Vice President Elect by the Peace Corps of Nigeria..

The Honourable Minister of Youth Named National Patron of Peace Corps of Nigeria.

In recognition of his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, national development, and peace-building, the Honourable Minister of Youth, Comrade Ayodele Olawande has been officially appointed as the National Patron of the Peace Corps of Nigeria.

The induction ceremony, which took place at the Ministry Of Youth Development, was graced by esteemed members of the  Peace Corps Council and members of the press. This appointment reaffirms the Peace Corps’ dedication to fostering national unity and youth development while strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders in governance.

Speaking at the event, the National Commandant of PCN, Dr. Dickson A.O. Akoh stated: “Remarkably speaking, your personality, humility and accomplishments, especially your elevation from a Minister of State to the substantive Minister of Youth Development deserves to be a case study to any youth who wish to excel in his/her chosen endeavor. Hence, your appointment comes at a crucial time when the youth of this nation are eager for genuine empowerment, opportunities and the kind of leadership that will adequately equip them with the needed tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world. With your vast expert, commitment to public service, and passion for youth development, we have no doubt that you will lead the ministry to its greater heights”.

In his acceptance speech, the Honourable Minister expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged his commitment to furthering the Peace Corps’ mission of youth engagement, peace advocacy, and ensurance of diligent follow up on the passing of the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill.

This appointment marks a new chapter in the Peace Corps’ mission to create a disciplined, patriotic, and self-reliant youth force that contributes meaningfully to nation-building.

Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill: A Done Deal

The Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Sen. Basheer Mohammed Lado, CON has assured of his intervention in making sure that the Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill is not only passed by the National Assembly but also assented to by Mr President.

Sen. Lado gave this assurance when a 4-man delegation of the Peace Corps of Nigeria led by its National Commandant, Dr Dickson Akoh, paid him a courtesy visit in his office with a view to solicit his intervention in the delay of the passage of the Bill, which is awaiting 3rd Reading at the Senate. Other members of the delegation are the Deputy National Commandant ‘Finance and Accounts’, Dr Omolola Amao, Assistant National Commandant ‘Administration’, Patriot Gloria Amadi and the FCT Commandant, Patriot Obaje Peter Ameh.

The Special Adviser commended the leadership of the Peace Corps of Nigeria for its resilience and resolute commitment towards the institutionalization of the Corps through the Act of the National

Assembly. He added that the functions being sought for the Peace Corps in the Bill is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, especially in the area of genuine youth empowerment, and that part of the functions will go a long way in complementing existing security agencies towards ensuring a peaceful, safer and more harmonious Nigeria.

Earlier, in his address, the National Commandant, Dr Akoh, commended Sen. Lado for being at the vanguard of the prevailing harmonious working relationship between the executive and legislative Arms of Federal Government, while describing him as an astute politician, technocrat and policy maker. Dr Akoh sought the intervention of Sen. Lado in the delay in passing the Peace Corps Bill that has been awaiting 3rd reading in the Senate since March, 2024.

Sunday Nene

Public Relations Officer

Peace Corps of Nigeria

Federal Government Signs Landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Peace Corps of Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Peace Corps of Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the Corps’ enduring commitment to nation-building, youth empowerment, and community development..

The Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while the National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr Dickson Akoh, signed on behalf of the organization.

This MoU represents the Federal Government’s formal recognition of the Peace Corps of Nigeria as a vital partner in advancing key national development priorities particularly in peace-building, civic education, volunteerism, and youth engagement. It outlines a collaborative framework aimed at supporting initiatives that foster national unity, social responsibility, and security awareness. Prior to this agreement, the Peace Corps had been subject to rigorous evaluation and clearance by relevant ministries, departments, and security agencies, ensuring full compliance with national standards.

Established in 1998, the Peace Corps of Nigeria is a youth-centered organization that has consistently contributed to national progress through humanitarian service, peace advocacy, youth employment, and volunteer-driven programs.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Akoh described the MoU as a historic breakthrough and a testament to over two decades of dedicated service. He reaffirmed the Corps’ readiness to work collaboratively with government institutions to fulfill its mandate for the benefit of Nigerian youth and communities.

The Peace Corps of Nigeria extends its profound appreciation to the Federal Government, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and all stakeholders involved in realizing this long-awaited partnership. Dr Akoh assured that the organization would operate in strict accordance with the provisions of the MoU and expressed confidence that the collaboration would significantly enhance efforts toward national peace, unity, sustainable development, and youth empowerment.

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