In recognition of her transformative leadership in a once crisis-prone region, the International Organization of United Nations Volunteers has honoured the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. (Dcns) Glory Ekah Effiong, with the prestigious International Peace Medal Award.
The award also marks her official induction as a Global Peace Ambassador under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16 and 17, which promote peace, justice, and strong institutions, as well as partnerships for sustainable development.
The ceremony, held at the Ibeno Council Secretariat, celebrated Effiong’s efforts in restoring peace to a region previously marred by violent boundary disputes. Since assuming office, the council boss has led initiatives that helped transition Ibeno from conflict to reconciliation and healing.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of UN-Peace Volunteers, Amb. Luke Braman Jacob, commended her for her swift and deliberate peacebuilding efforts.
He noted that under her leadership, Ibeno hosted peace dialogues, brokered truce meetings with neighbouring communities, and empowered traditional rulers and youth leaders to champion unity.
In addition to reconciliation efforts, Effiong’s administration funded the reconstruction of homes destroyed during communal clashes, paid medical bills for victims, and provided consistent humanitarian support to widows and orphans affected by the crisis.
Presenting the award, Amb. Jacob described Effiong as “an exemplary recipient whose dedication has left an indelible mark on humanity.”
He emphasized that the annual observance of the United Nations International Day of Living Together in Peace reflects values such as tolerance, coexistence, and leadership that unites — all of which, he said, Hon. Effiong embodies.
The delegation also lauded her developmental strides, citing the construction of a 1.5km Mkpanak Road and the ongoing two-storey administrative complex as proof that peace and progress go hand-in-hand.
The high point of the occasion was the formal presentation of her induction certificate into the UN Volunteers Hall of Fame and the conferment of the International Peace Medal Award. It was also disclosed that an official UN flag and diplomatic plate number would be presented to her in Abuja.
Visibly moved, Hon. Effiong expressed deep gratitude and dedicated the award to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for his support and development-focused leadership.
“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 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 our differences. In Ibeno, we have worked to rebuild not only infrastructure but also trust and shared purpose.
“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,” she said.
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