CSI Peace Foundation

Where is the peace? We live in a violent society. I had a long talk with one of my childhood friends from Jacksonville, Florida. We talked and discussed the good days growing up in the Sunshine State. Now, my beloved city is in the news as many other cities regarding violent acts. In Baton Rouge, three juveniles that should have been playing basketball or baseball were arrested for murder. Where is the peace? Our news cycle is filled with violence and evil daily. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. would admonish us to walk in peace and love with each other. Nelson Mandela would call us to real relationships and unity. Where is the peace? I recommend the following actions: First, we should teach our children how to resolve conflict in peace and understanding. The sacred scripture calls for us to be peacemakers. Nonviolent direct action as taught by Mahatma Gandhi is still appropriate for us today. How do we handle conflict? If our children see us using violent words, then they will mod...

It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness. His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days. Kofi Annan was a global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world. During his distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations he was an ardent champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law. After stepping down from the United Nations, he continued to work tirelessly in the cause of peace through his chairmanship of the Kofi Annan Foundation and as chair of The Elders, the group founded by Nelson Mandela. He was an inspiration to young and old alike. Kofi Annan was a son of Ghana and felt a special responsibility towards Africa. ...

It was Socrates of Athens that once said “unexamined life is not worth living”. To believe in yourself, consistency of self-assertion is a recipe as well as courage and self-discipline. The recipes contain crucial ingredients that propel self-fulfillment, actualization and great happiness. Firstly, an individual must be able to clearly define what constitute his/her personal values, set out his boundaries and ensure the sustainability of such standards. Our minds play critical roles in the definition and retention of our personal values. Like someone said “what the mind of man can believe and conceive, it can achieve” . To believe in yourself, you must literally be able to separate what you can do from what you can not do. Your values and beliefs must align with the reality. Having defined values, their retention requires a determination and persistent adherence to moral principles that compliment the values. Prominent among them is integrity. This is having beliefs based on perfec...

When we were growing up in the 80's and early 90's, the name of Plateau State alone was attractive. Tourists from far and near had no better place than Plateau. Combined with the amazing weather, the people were very accommodating and seemed to be more exposed than many from other places. There was a religious tolerance and parents thought their children on being respectful. The story has completely changed today. Most parents don't want to hear the negative actions of their children and others avoid the responsibility of parenting.  And for the religious leaders, "we have a major problem these days in our country where it seems anyone can become a religious leader overnight without any credentials. There are too many ignorant "pastors" and "imams" preaching errors and leading people astray" said the Archbishop of Abuja,  Cardinal John Onaiyekan. In trying to promote for peace in Plateau State, my recent article which was titles "Lal...

Joel Scott Osteen is an American preacher and televangelist. He is the Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church, the largest Protestant church in the United States, in Houston, Texas.  Osteen’s televised sermons are seen by over 7 million viewers weekly and over 20 million monthly in over 100 countries. He’s been nicknamed as “The Smiling Preacher” . We’ve put together this awesome collection of encouraging and motivating Joel Osteen Quotes: 1. “Don’t live worried, frustrated or upset because of what somebody did or what didn’t work out. Come back to a place of peace. It’s not going to work against you; it’s going to work for you.” – Joel Osteen 2. “Encouragement to others is something everyone can give. Somebody needs what you have to give. It may not be your money; it may be your time. It may be your listening ear. It may be your arms to encourage. It may be your smile to uplift. Who knows?” – Joel Osteen 3. “God will always bring the right people into ...

In 1940 Charlie Chaplin delivered this powerful speech in “The Great Dictator”. His message to humanity was clear, and it is just as relevant today as it was back in 1940 Transcript, Charlie Chaplin, The Great Dictator : I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone – if possible – Jew, Gentile – black man – white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness – not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way. Greed has poisoned men’s souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our ...