IPCR Urges Prioritising Culture of Peace in All Endeavours

By Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), has emphasised the need for all to prioritise and mainstream the culture of peace in all endeavours.

The Director General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who made the call at a press conference in commemoration of the International Day of Peace, in Abuja, also explained that peace is a cross-cutting issue that needs deliberate actions.

“Nigeria has over time experienced a huge loss of lives and humanitarian crises resulting from diverse forms of violent conflicts recorded across communities. Hence, the need to build a culture of peace and resilience in our communities,” Dr.  Ochogwu said.

The Directors General, while lamenting the low investment in the peace process, called on international actors to maintain global peace.

“Peace is an orphan, Peace is a phenomenon that is hardly invested in. People don’t want to invest in peace, but they want to enjoy peace at the domestic front, at home front, at the National Space, at the International Space, the investment is often times very poor,” he said.

He further noted that IPCR and its partners have mapped out a series of activities to mark this year’s International Day of Peace, which include engaging in discussions with thought leaders on the significance of peace in national and international contexts, showcasing peace-themed artworks to promote peace through creative expression.

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Dr. Ochogwu further commended the media for their role in peacebuilding.

“Peace is an interrelated issue, and there is no sector that can survive without peace in the world. This particular event is a media event, and that is to tell you the critical role that the media has to play in peace, building, in peace, work at the family level, at the local level, at the community level, at the sub-national level, the national level, as well as in the global arena, the media as the fourth estate of the realm is very, very critical and is very key,” he stated.

The Executive Director of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Mr. Rafiu Adeniran Lawal, stressed that Nigeria is not the worst country on earth, all that needs to be done by citizens is to come together to transform the country into the Nigeria that we want.

“For us at BBFORPEACE, we believe strongly that Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population presents a demographic dividend that can be leveraged for sustainable peace and economic prosperity,” he said.

All were urged to recommit to supporting Nigeria’s journey to becoming one of the most peaceful places to live on earth.