The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in partnership with the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), has celebrated IMC’s 30 years of dedicated service to interfaith peacebuilding, national healing, and conflict transformation across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking at the anniversary event, the Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, praised the IMC for its unwavering commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, ethno-religious tolerance, mutual understanding, and the protection of human rights.
Dr. Ochogwu stated that the gathering was “a testament to our collective commitment to building bridges across religious divides, advancing early warning systems, strengthening mediation and dialogue structures, and driving inclusive socio-economic development in our communities and beyond.”
Amid growing security challenges nationwide, he noted that the partnership between IPCR and IMC has remained pivotal in breaking cycles of violent conflict. Their interventions include mediation in interfaith and ethnic crises, peacebuilding training for mediators and religious leaders, and empowerment programmes for youths and women.
He further emphasized the timeliness of the event’s theme, “A Legacy of Dialogue, Future of Peace,” given rising global tensions and persistent insecurity. He warned that the mismanagement of ethno-religious diversity, misinformation, and political manipulation continues to fuel conflicts.
The DG also cautioned against divisive narratives, such as claims of “Christian genocide” in parts of the North Central—stating that violent actors target people of all faiths. He reaffirmed IPCR’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with IMC to advance its Vision 2035 for sustainable peace and development.
The Chairman of the occasion, Retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, noted that peacebuilders rarely receive recognition comparable to those who instigate violence. He stressed that sustainable peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict and encouraged leaders at all levels to prioritize dialogue over force.
IMC Co-founders, Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa and Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye, reflected on the Centre’s evolution from a local initiative to one of Africa’s most respected community-driven peace institutions, globally recognized for its practical model of interreligious dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation.