Nigeria@ 66: Prioritise peace, IPCR urges Nigerians

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to prioritize peace, unity, and national development as the country celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1. Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the IPCR, emphasized that sustainable development is impossible in an environment marked by violent conflict, intolerance, hate speech, exclusion, and mistrust.

The IPCR called on all Nigerians, including political leaders, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organizations, the media, young people, and other stakeholders, to promote peacebuilding, constructive engagement, and dialogue in addressing differences and resolving disputes. The organization also stressed the need for peaceful political participation, responsible civic engagement, and rejection of violence, inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation, disinformation, and other actions that could heighten tensions or undermine national cohesion during the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The IPCR acknowledged the contributions of security agencies and other peace actors in maintaining national security and called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communities, and civil society organizations to prevent and respond to emerging conflicts. It emphasized that Nigeria's diversity is a significant asset, and citizens must view themselves as stakeholders in a national project, regardless of ethnic, religious, political, regional, or social differences.

Dr. Ochogwu reiterated the IPCR's commitment to supporting the government and other stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria's peace architecture and promoting a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful conflict resolution.