UN-Peace Volunteers recognizes Glory Effiong’s peacebuilding strides in Ibeno

The International Organization of United Nations Peace Volunteers has spotlighted the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Hon. Glory Effiong, for her remarkable strides in restoring peace and rebuilding war-torn communities previously ravaged by years of deadly boundary clashes. Effiong, a first-term council boss, was officially inducted as a Global Peace Ambassador and decorated with […]

The International Organization of United Nations Peace Volunteers has spotlighted the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Hon. Glory Effiong, for her remarkable strides in restoring peace and rebuilding war-torn communities previously ravaged by years of deadly boundary clashes.

Effiong, a first-term council boss, was officially inducted as a Global Peace Ambassador and decorated with the prestigious International Peace Medaloat a ceremony that brought dignitaries, stakeholders, and well-wishers to Ibeno LGA Headquarters in a show of solidarity and support.

Her recognition came during the United Nations’ annual commemoration of the International Day of Peace and Living Together.

In his address, the Country Coordinator of UN-Peace Volunteers, Amb. Luke Braman Jacob, who presented the award, commended Effiong’s leadership as “exemplary,” noting that her nomination and eventual selection as a Global Peace Diplomat was based on the visible and lasting impact she has made on the lives of her people.

He described the International Day of Peace and Living Together as a global call to action for tolerance and unity, adding, “Hon. Glory Effiong’s leadership perfectly aligns with the ideals the day seeks to uphold.”

Beyond the symbolism of the day, Amb. Jacob said that it was Effiong’s real and risky interventions in Ibeno’s volatile landscape that drew both national and international attention.

Prior to her assumption of office, Ibeno had been engulfed in recurring boundary clashes with neighbouring communities. These conflicts claimed numerous lives, displaced families, and left homes, schools, and farmlands in ruins.

He stressed that in the face of these challenges, Effiong chose reconciliation over retaliation.

According to him, her administration embarked on peace dialogues, engaged traditional rulers and community leaders in negotiations, and launched humanitarian missions to rebuild trust and infrastructure. Homes destroyed in the crises were rebuilt, and medical bills of victims were settled by her office. In many cases, she personally visited affected families, ensuring they were not left behind in the healing process.

The UN-Peace Volunteers team hailed these bold steps as hallmarks of genuine leadership and proof that sustainable peace is achievable through community-driven interventions.

Further affirming her developmental drive, they commended the ongoing construction of a 1.5km Mkpanak road and a modern two-storey administrative building at the council headquarters, projects that they described as peace dividends that will stimulate growth and stability.

The peak of the ceremony was the official induction of Effiong into the UN Volunteers Hall of Fame and the presentation of the International Peace Medal. It was also disclosed that she would soon receive a UN diplomatic plate number and flag in Abuja, in line with her new role.

Overwhelmed by emotion, Gloria Effiong, in her acceptance speech expressed gratitude as well as dedicated the medal to Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, commending his visionary support.

“I receive this honour with deep humility and gratitude. To be named a Global Peace Diplomat and awarded the International Peace Medal is not just a personal recognition, it is a tribute to the people of Ibeno who have chosen peace, unity, and resilience over division and despair.

“This award belongs to every father who stood for stability, every mother who nurtured hope, and every youth who dreamed of a better future. It reflects our collective journey toward healing, dialogue, and development.

“I sincerely thank the International Organization of United Nations Peace Volunteers for this honour. It is not merely a reward but a reminder that peace is not passive and leadership must be felt through service, compassion, and justice.

“As we commemorate the International Day for Living Together in Peace, we are reminded to govern with empathy, act with integrity, and build bridges across differences. In Ibeno, we have worked to rebuild not only infrastructure but also trust and shared purpose.

“Let this moment serve as a call to all that peacebuilding is a shared duty. May this recognition inspire us to promote unity, equity, and dignity in every space we lead.

“To my beloved people of Ibeno, I dedicate this award to you. You are the reason I serve and the strength behind every stride we make. May our story echo the truth that peace is possible when leadership is rooted in compassion and guided by service.”