The President of the Mediation Training Institute (MTI-Nigeria), Ambassador Olusegun Ogunyannwo has called for the integration of retired military personnel into Nigeria’s security framework through mediation and conflict resolution training, saying veterans remain valuable assets in tackling insecurity across the country.
Ambassador Ogunyannwo made the call during the flag-off ceremony of the Professional Conflict Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution Accreditation and Certification Training Programme for veterans, organised in collaboration with retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
He explained that the initiative is designed to train veterans in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, with a target of 100 participants from each state.
Peace and Stability
According to him, the programme aims to reposition retired servicemen as agents of peace and stability in their various communities.
The MTI-Nigeria President noted that veterans already possess discipline, operational knowledge and vast experience acquired during their years of service.
He said the programme would build on those strengths by equipping them with non-kinetic skills such as mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution.
“Traditionally, veterans were trained in kinetic approaches where force was often necessary. However, this programme introduces non-kinetic strategies that will enable them to resolve disputes peacefully,” he said.
He said that “retired military personnel command respect in communities, giving them an advantage in engaging conflicting parties in dialogue and preventing disputes from escalating into violence. He said their presence across virtually every part of Nigeria makes them suitable first-line responders in addressing tensions at the grassroots”.
Ogunyannwo further stated that the trained veterans would also support intelligence gathering at community level, which he described as critical to combating insecurity.
Reduce Tension
He expressed confidence that their integration into the wider security architecture would reduce tension and improve community stability nationwide.
He commended the support of the Defence Headquarters and the Chief of Defence Staff for backing the initiative, while urging the media to amplify the message that peace building is a collective responsibility.
According to him, with proper training, veterans can continue to serve Nigeria effectively as mediators, peace builders and community stabilisers.