NBA Mbaise Chairman, Judex
Nwawudu, Receives Peace Ambassador Award
…Laments Poor Development in Imo State
By Kelechi Ugo
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mbaise Branch, Barrister Judex Nwawudu, has been honoured with the prestigious Peace Ambassador Award by the Global Peace Building Network (GPBNet).
The award was presented on Sunday, August 31, 2025, during the official inauguration of the Imo State Branch of the organisation held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri.
In his acceptance speech, Barr. Nwawudu expressed profound gratitude to GPBNet for finding him worthy of the honour. He described the award as an encouragement to continue his advocacy for truth, justice, and fairness.
“Peace can only be achieved through justice, equity, and fairness,” he remarked. “This award serves as motivation to keep standing for what is right.”
The outspoken legal practitioner also voiced concerns over the poor level of development in Imo State, drawing comparisons with Enugu State. He noted that having just returned from the NBA Annual General Conference in Enugu, with the theme "Stand Out, Stand Tall", it was evident that while Enugu is progressing rapidly, Imo is still lagging behind.
“When you juxtapose governance in Enugu with what we have in Imo, the difference is glaring. Enugu has transformed, while Imo is still crawling. What we need in Imo is good governance,” he lamented.
The award presentation was part of the Imo State Global Peace Inauguration and Ambassadorial Award Ceremony, jointly organized by GPBNet in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Educational Practitioners, United Kingdom (CIEPUK). Themed “Building Bridges of Peace in a Divided World: Fostering Unity, Dialogue, and Reconciliation,” the event attracted dignitaries from across the 27 local government areas of Imo State.
Notable attendees included traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, government officials, and international peace advocates. The occasion featured thought-provoking speeches, goodwill messages, cultural performances, and interactive sessions, all centered on the urgent need for peaceful coexistence through dialogue, tolerance, and justice.
In her welcome address, Amb. Dr. Kelechi Anaele, National Coordinator of GPBNet, thanked participants for their presence and support. She emphasized that:
“Peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice, mutual respect, and harmony. We must all become repairers of peace and ambassadors of hope for generations to come.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Global Peace Ambassadorial Awards to individuals recognized for their selfless service, commitment to peace, and community development. The event also included the official inauguration of GPBNet in Imo State, unveiling of its banner and logo, and the recitation of the Global Peace Pledge, reaffirming commitment to unity, love, and reconciliation.
Among the other recipients of the Peace Ambassador Award were:
Amb. Comr. Ifeanyi Nwaguma, JP, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council (represented by Deacon Dan Opara, Publisher of ThePressman Newspaper)
Comr. Amb. Ezenwa Adiukwu, Vice President, NUJ South East represented by Comrade Kelechi Ugo
Dr. Kachi Nwoga (Ezeji), a respected technocrat and governorship candidate in Imo State
Apostle Uche Ogbujah, Founder and Presiding Cleric of Shalom Christian Centre, Nkwo Ogwu, Mbaise, and his wife, Pastor Mrs. Nkechi Ogbujah
Other notable peace advocates from across Imo’s 27 LGAs were also honoured.
Representatives of the awardees pledged their continuous support for peace-building initiatives and assured their commitment to the vision and mission of GPBNet.
In her closing remarks, Amb. Dr. Regina expressed heartfelt appreciation to all guests, partners, and honorees for contributing to the event’s success. She underscored the importance of building peace from the grassroots.
“Peace begins within our homes and communities before it can extend to the nation and the world,” she said, concluding with a prayer for lasting peace in Imo State, Nigeria, and the world.
This award ceremony and inauguration marked a significant step in promoting peaceful coexistence in Imo State, as stakeholders resolved to continue fostering justice, dialogue, and reconciliation at every level of society.
