By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi State Chapter, on Tuesday marked the 2026 International Day of Education with a school sensitisation programme focused on promoting peace through learning.
As part of activities to commemorate the day, the association visited Assemblies of God Secondary, Nursery and Primary School, Abakaliki, where students were engaged on the role of education in fostering peace, tolerance and social harmony.
Speaking at the event, a former NAWOJ Chairman and resource person, Comrade Fortunate Ozo, underscored the importance of humility and accountability in resolving conflicts. “‘Sorry’ is a nuclear weapon that can fight any type of war,” Ozo said, urging students to develop the habit of admitting their mistakes and apologising when they are wrong.
She described education as a powerful instrument for peacebuilding, noting that values such as understanding, tolerance and mutual respect must be consciously learned and practised from a young age.
Ozo also charged members of NAWOJ to remain steadfast in inspiring positive change and advancing advocacy for inclusive education, stressing that sustainable peace begins with learning.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Ebonyi State, Comrade Nkechinyere Oginyi, thanked the school management for providing the platform for the engagement and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting peace through education. “Education remains the strongest foundation for peace in any society. When children are properly guided through learning, they grow into responsible citizens who value dialogue over violence,” Oginyi said.
She encouraged the students to internalise the lessons from the programme and extend the message beyond the classroom. “We urge you to take this message home, practise it among your peers and become ambassadors of peace in your families and communities,” she added.
Responding on behalf of the school, the Principal, Mr Goodluck Unata,and Headmistress, Mrs Lilian Onyia, expressed appreciation to the women journalists for the visit and the positive impact on the students.
They urged NAWOJ to sustain the initiative by returning with more programmes capable of enhancing the academic and moral development of the students.
The sensitisation programme formed part of NAWOJ Ebonyi’s ongoing advocacy to use education as a tool for peacebuilding and sustainable development.