By Ochiaka Ugwu
In an effort to stem the tide of conflict in the nation, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Tuesday inaugurated Conflict Early Warning Indicator Monitor (CEWIM) scheme to address in gap conflict reporting in the country.
While delivering his welcome address during the inauguration, the Director General of the Institute, Dr. Bakut tsway Bakut, said the 189-member of the CEWIM, were carefully nominated from various senatorial districts within the six geo-political zones, to achieve the set out objective, adding that their capacities have been enhanced to enable them deliver on the job.
Recognizing the international Donors and Critical Partners like UNDP, USAID, Mercy Corps (MC), WANEP and other organisations, whose encouragement and support have greatly enhanced IPCR’s efforts in putting up a functional network of Conflict Early Warning and Early Response in the Institute, Dr. Bakut, noted that the security challenges facing Nigeria and Africa are enormous.
“The security challenges facing Nigeria and Africa are enormous. Indeed, time will not permit me to enumerate them, but I would like to draw our attention to the need for a paradigm shift in our conflict interest and reporting attitude, if we are not to suffer more grievous consequences of conflicts in the years ahead.
“Permit me to inform you that IPCR which was established in year 2000, is primarily a research and intervention centre, a think-tank and an agency of government that works to promote peace and strengthens the capacity of institutions/organisations to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts in Nigeria and Africa.
“It is noteworthy to underline that one of the instruments, IPCR has deployed for conflict prevention in the country over the years is Conflict Early Warning Early Response System (CEWERS). In view of the agency’s operational experience, it is identified in the gaps country’s conflict reporting system and weak coordination of stakeholders, the Institute found the need to make the system more effective in order to cope with the asymmetric rise in conflict spots in the country.
Other organizations that spoke at the inauguration decried the insecurity bedeviling the nation, commending IPCR for the epoch making approach.
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