The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno Council, Mr Dauda Iliya, has urged repentant Boko Haram terrorists to be ambassadors of peace as they are set to be reintegrated into the society.
Iliya gave the advice when he spoke to hundreds of Boko Haram insurgents, who have surrendered at their camps in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
The NUJ chairman also urged the repentant insurgents to seek both religious and western education for their spiritual and personal improvement even as he called them to be worthy ambassadors and promoters of peace in their communities.
“Indulge yourselves in the learning of the Holy Quran, the Hadith, and seek understanding of the Fiqh, Tauheed for clarity of knowledge to better your lives.
“Let’s not relent in backing your learning with western education which is equally important. Don’t forget to acquire skills for trades and entrepreneurship.
“The essence of acquiring knowledge is to differentiate you from others because the educated one stands out in his speech, ways of doing things, and thinking.
“Most of you have seen and experienced the effects of violence and conflict. Many of you have spent years away from your homes and businesses and that has caused you enormous setbacks.
“As you go back to your communities, ensure you are worthy ambassadors whose attitude and behavior can be commended. Don’t give anyone reason to say had we known, we would not have welcomed you back into the community,’’ he said.(NAN)
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