Congratulations on winning the Peacepace Initiative 2024 Ambassador of the Year Award, Amb. Oluwaseun Otunla! Let’s start by telling us a little about yourself and your background.

I am Otunla Oluwaseun by name, I am a native of Kishi, Oyo state, a graduate of OAU and FUTA

What inspired you to become an ambassador and volunteer for Peacepace?

By nature, I am quiet and peace-loving; I have always strived to be at peace with everyone around me. I think there is no better way to promote peace not only in my locality but nationwide than to join like-minded people, a platform which Peacepace provides.

Can you share some highlights from your experience as a Peacepace ambassador and volunteer?

I have had many wonderful experiences as a Peacepace ambassador and volunteer.

I have had the opportunity to attend conferences organised by Peacepace, where seasoned and experienced speakers were invited to speak on various topics that can foster peace in our communities.

There have been several Peacepace campaigns where I learnt that no matter what your skill is, no matter who you are, you have something to offer society.

I learnt the importance of team work even in Peace promotion.   

What do you think sets Peacepace apart from other organisations, and how do you embody those values in your work?

The fact that Peacepace as an organisation seeks to bring peace in our society, where violence is prevalent these days, sets Peacepace apart from other organisations. Where there is peace, there will be growth.  

What do you believe has been your most significant contribution to Peacepace, and how has it impacted the community?

As a graphic designer and a creative person, I have always tried as much as possible to use my skills to put Peacepace as an organisation out to people, to reach as many people as possible with the message of peace through graphic design.

How does it feel to have your efforts recognised with this award, and what does it mean to you?

Being recognised has a nice feeling, and I am excited to be; it means the little I do has, one way or another, served the purpose for which the organisation is known, and it means I should put more effort in order to help the organisation even achieve more.

What challenges have you faced as an ambassador, and how have you overcome them?

Well… In the unit I am serving in, one of the challenges I had was keeping up to date with all the programs and events in which we need to put out a graphic for the organisation, but I have learned to prepare well ahead for each event.

What lessons have you learned throughout your experience, and how do you apply them to your work?

One of the most important lessons I have learned is teamwork; I have learned to work with my team in order to achieve goals much more efficiently.

What are your future plans and goals as a Peacepace ambassador, and how do you see yourself continuing to make an impact?

I plan on serving as Peacepace ambassador, giving my very best in any role I am given, and I believe consistency in effort to give the best to the organisation will help me as an individual to grow and will also help the organisation to achieve its goals, which is peace promotion.

Are there any new initiatives or projects you’re excited to work on in the coming year?

I have a project in mind for International Peace Day, but right now, I have not been able to put it into the plan well. Hopefully, I will be able to present it to the organisation.

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in becoming a Peacepace ambassador or volunteer?

Peace promotion starts from an individual; the organisation is not just a group of people but a group of people ready and willing to build peace in their society, first as individuals and then as an organisation. So, if you are willing to volunteer for peace building you should be ready to do the work.

Who or what inspires you to continue working towards peace and making a positive difference in the world?

A peaceful society is where all other positive development happens. Crisis is detrimental to the growth of an individual and the growth of a society, so I am inspired to build a world where peace reigns supreme.