IPCR Promotes Peace Culture in All Sectors

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has stressed the importance of prioritizing and integrating the culture of peace in all activities.

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The Director General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, emphasized this during a press conference in Abuja to mark the International Day of Peace. He also highlighted that peace is a cross-cutting issue requiring intentional efforts.

“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.”

The Director General, expressing concern over the low investment in peace initiatives, urged international actors to uphold 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 very poor.”

He also mentioned that IPCR and its partners have planned a series of events to commemorate this year’s International Day of Peace, including:

“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.”

Dr. Ochogwu also praised the media for their contributions to 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.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director, 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.”

Everyone was encouraged to renew their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s path towards becoming one of the most peaceful places to live in the world.

Oluchi Okwuego