IPCR Trains 19 Professionals, Pushes Practical Peace Building Across Nigeria

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged newly trained professionals to translate their knowledge of negotiation and mediation into concrete actions that will promote peace and stability across Nigeria.

The call was made at the close of a three-week Strategic Course on Negotiation and Mediation (Chartered), held at the National Peace Academy in Abuja, where 19 participants were formally inducted as Members of the Peace Institute (MPI).

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of IPCR, Joseph Ochogwu, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Sunday Daji, emphasised that peacebuilding is not accidental but the result of conscious daily efforts and effective communication.

He noted that many conflicts begin from simple misunderstandings that escalate due to poor communication, stressing that the skills acquired during the training must be applied in real-life situations.

“Peace is built through our everyday interactions and decisions. Negotiation is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of wisdom, courage, and leadership,” he said.

He also pointed to the participation of officers from the Nigerian Immigration Service as evidence of a growing shift within Nigeria’s security architecture toward preventive and dialogue-driven approaches to conflict resolution.

According to him, achieving lasting peace requires more than enforcement, adding that public institutions must embrace mediation and dialogue as critical tools in managing disputes.

Participants at the training described the programme as impactful and transformative. Speaking on behalf of the cohort, SA Ibrahim said the journey, though initially demanding, proved deeply rewarding.

“What lies ahead is something money cannot buy. We are leaving here not just as participants, but as peace ambassadors committed to making a difference,” she said.

Earlier, the Director of the National Peace Academy, Emmanuel Mmam, commended the participants for their discipline and engagement, describing them as one of the most outstanding groups trained by the institute.

He cautioned against prioritising certificates over impact, urging them to put their knowledge into practice in their workplaces and communities.

“Knowledge that is not applied is as good as not having it,” he said, while encouraging continued collaboration with the institute to strengthen national peace efforts.

The training programme focused on core areas such as conflict management, workplace reconciliation, and advanced negotiation and mediation strategies, equipping participants with the tools needed to support Nigeria’s evolving peacebuilding framework.