Encomiums as Rev. Dr. Dickson Ibomhen Bags IAWPA Eminent Peace Ambassador Award
By Genesis Ogiri
ABUJA — Encomiums have continued to trail the conferment of the prestigious Eminent Peace Ambassador Award on Rev. Dr. Dickson Ibomhen, a pastor and Chief Executive Officer of Ose-Pat Investment Empire Nig. Limited, by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), in recognition of his leadership, service and commitment to peace and societal development.
The recognition was conferred in Abuja during the National Stakeholders’ Security Dialogue, organised to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation, bringing together stakeholders from government, security agencies, civil society organisations and other critical sectors to deliberate on strategies for strengthening peace and security in Nigeria.
The dialogue, held under the theme, “Policing for Peace: Building Synergy for a Safer Nigeria,” provided a strategic platform for stakeholders to examine the importance of stronger institutional collaboration, constructive dialogue, community engagement and collective action in addressing emerging security challenges and fostering peaceful coexistence.
IAWPA, an international non-governmental organisation with Special Consultative Status under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2019, said its Eminent Peace Ambassador Award is reserved for individuals whose work demonstrates measurable societal impact, independent leadership and alignment with global peace and development priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Association stressed that the honour is strictly merit-based and is not conferred on the basis of affiliation or ceremonial participation, but on the substance, scale and sustainability of documented contributions to society.
Rev. Dr. Ibomhen’s recognition brings together two important dimensions of leadership — pastoral service and entrepreneurship. As a pastor and Chief Executive Officer of Ose-Pat Investment Empire Nig. Limited, his emergence as an Eminent Peace Ambassador underscores the relevance of values-driven leadership and responsible enterprise in promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
The award also places Rev. Dr. Ibomhen among distinguished personalities recognised by IAWPA for leadership and service considered relevant to the broader objectives of peacebuilding, responsible citizenship and sustainable development. His recognition further highlights the role that faith and business leaders can play in supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and promote a culture of peace.
Speaking on the honour, Rev. Dr. Ibomhen expressed appreciation to IAWPA for the recognition, describing it as both a privilege and a renewed call to greater service. He said the honour would further strengthen his resolve to promote peace, unity, responsible leadership and positive values within society.
IAWPA International Spokesman, Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke, said the stakeholders’ dialogue was designed to strengthen peace, security and sustainable development through advocacy, diplomacy and strategic partnerships among government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations and community stakeholders. The IAWPA International Director, Prof. Chidi Ehiriodo, congratulated Rev. Dr. Dickson Ibomhen on the honour and urged him to sustain his commitment to peacebuilding, responsible leadership and initiatives that contribute to social stability and sustainable development in Nigeria.