Peace Day: IPCR DG seeks fostering of peace, resilience in communities

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The Director General of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu has stressed the need to foster and build a culture of peace and resilience in communities.
Dr. Ochogwu who made this known yesterday, in Abuja during a press conference to commemorate 2024 Peace Day with the theme: “Cultivating a Culture of Peace” said Nigeria had over time experienced a huge loss of lives and humanitarian crises resulting from diverse forms of violent conflicts recorded across communities.
Ochogwu noted that the prevailing reality made it imperative to build a culture of peace and resilience in our communities.
Continuing, he said the synergy between institutions for International Peace Day Commemoration further aims at addressing different social factors fueling violent conflicts and sustaining tensions among social groups, not excluding poverty, unemployment, inequality and socio-political marginalization.
He revealed that IPCR and its partners have mapped out a series of activities to mark Peace Day which include: “Media Chat: Engaging in discussions with thought leaders on the significance of peace in national and international contexts.
“Art Exhibition: Showcasing peace-themed artworks to promote peace through creative expression and Sports Events: Peace-building through sports to unite people of different backgrounds in a spirit of camaraderie.
“Cultural Displays: Featuring traditional performances from diverse ethnic groups to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and emphasize unity in diversity.
“Peace Walk: A symbolic march through designated areas to advocate for peace and raise public awareness on the need for peaceful coexistence.
“Peace Lecture: A keynote lecture by prominent individuals on strategies for fostering peace and non-violence”, he said.
Also speaking, Executive Director of the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Rafiu Adeniran Lawal said the Int’l Day of Peace should also be a day of sober reflection, to examine and ask critical questions as to how to improve the state of peace and security in Nigeria and across the world.