- By Demola Atobaba
The Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill earlier passed by the House of Representatives on 29th February, 2024 and transmitted to the Senate was today 30th April, 2024 read and passes through first reading.
With this development, a motion for concurrence to be sponsored by the Senate Leader, Sen. Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele will come up shortly to enable the Senate adopt and pass same bill.
Recall, the Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill which was sponsored by the now Senate Whip, Sen. Ali Ndume was on 12th April, 2022 unanimously passed by the 9th Senate.
The Peace Corps of Nigeria established over 25 years ago by the National Commandant, Dr Dickson Akoh, is incorporated in Nigeria under the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and accorded the Federal Government recognition through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and granted license to operate in the Country as a Non-Governmental Organization by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
Due to the value driven programs of the Corps, aimed at the socio-economic empowerment of the Nigerian youths and its onerous contributions to peace building and advocacy, the United Nations in 2013 accorded the organization a Special Consultative Status while the African Union in 2016 accorded same status to the organization, thus, making it a member of the Social and Economic Councils of both the United Nations and the African Union.
So far, the organization has a well-structured network of offices in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory FCT. It has a membership strength of over 187,000 comprising of both regular staff and volunteers.
For the landmark achievements and accomplishments of the organization thus far, the Corps and its National Commandant have received over 110 Awards Nationally and Internationally.
