By George Ozalla
The Leadership of Harmony Corps of Nigeria (HCN) has solicited official approval for the take-off of the activities of the Corps from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This call was made by the founder and Commandant-General of the Corps Ambassador (Mrs.) Elizabeth Omini in what she described as operational and legal frameworks owing to the existing security and safety challenges in the country and the need to synergize more to foster peace and unity amongst Nigerians.
This solemn appeal was made during a courtesy visit to the Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President on Stakeholders’ Engagement and Mobilization,Femi Odere on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja by the leadership of the organization.
Mrs. Omini earlier in her introductory remark, took time to explain in detail the idea that birthed the Corps, highlighting the worthy processes the organization embarked upon so far to get the official legislative backing before it can begin to function statutorily.
Mrs. Omini said that the organization’s main objective was to promote national peacebuilding, unity, and harmony amongst others across the country through moral persuasion and a new orientation for citizens to begin to love one another, live in peace with one another, have undiluted love for one’s country for the overall good and development of the nation.
The Commandant-General further posited that it was only in the atmosphere of peace, unity harmony, and engagement of idle hands in productive activities that all these can be easily achieved.
Ambassador Omini said she came to appeal to the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) through the Senate President Godswill Akpabio to approve of the organization’s proper and smooth takeoff, which will in turn enable it to engage more young people to carry out her statutory duty thereby reducing crimes and criminality in the society.
She equally used the opportunity to appeal for relevant stakeholders’ support and expressed her organization’s readiness to contribute its quota towards peaceful co-existence that will involve all citizens.
In his remark, Odere welcomed the team, saying that the efforts made by the founder and her associates throughout the years that eventually culminated in former president Buhari signing the bill into law must not be allowed to die. “Your vision, I must say, is laudable. This is a worthy initiative, especially given the fact that the 9th National Assembly approved the recruitment of 3, 664 of our youths by the Corps and more so in a period when insecurity and unemployment are on the rise,” Akpabio’s aide said.
Odere promised to convey their message to the Senate President through the Chief of Staff and assured them that his principal would look into their request. He further expressed his profound delight, as he thanked them for the honor bestowed on him by making him their Patron.
He added that their visit was a stepping stone for further meaningful interactions and collaborations.
Some other top officials of the Corps on the entourage of the Commandant-General included Barrister Eriba Uko Eriba, Legal Adviser; Mr. Stephen Timilehin ACG/Admin and Miss Talatu Abar ACG amongst others.
Highlights of the visit included the investiture of Femi Odere as one of the patrons of the Corps, the singing of the Corps’ anthem, and group photographs.
