Who says pleasant surprises are in short supply in the amnesty
programme? Yesterday's violent agitators are before our very eyes
becoming today's peace advocates and campaigners.
Today (Tuesday, 27 November, 2012 ), leaders of former Niger Delta agitators undergoing the
Kingian Non-Violence/Leadership and Business Development Training in
South Africa practically waoh-ed renowned American non-violence
advocate, Dr Bernard LaFayette Jr., a compatriot and close associate of
the late civil rights leader, Dr Martin Luther King Jr., with their
understanding of the Kingian non-violence principle.
The leaders had made brilliant presentations (yes, 'Generals' in
training) after their individual groups discussion on leadership values
and non-violence principles. For this, they got a standing 'shake,
shake, shake' from their trainers from the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony
in Nigeria (FEHN).
But hear Dr LaFayette: "I'm very impressed with your understanding of
the concept of non-violence. You have all shown a very good grasp of the
training you have received in just the first day. With what I see in
these young men, there's hope for Nigeria.
"Already, I'm considering asking some of you to become trainers in
non-violence principles (Another post-training engagement prospect, you
would say). What that means is that you will join me to take this
message to other parts of Africa and the world."
The training continues tomorrow.
The delegation (first batch of 31 leaders) will later visit places like
the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria, the aviation training schools
in Mafikeng and Midrand, Cape Town, Soweto, and Robben Island, where
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, before returning to Nigeria.
DANIEL ALABRAH
Tuesday, 27 November, 2012
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