The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged graduates of its Strategic Course on Negotiation and Mediation to apply their newly acquired skills in fostering peace and resolving conflicts across the country.
Representing the Director-General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, at the closing ceremony in Abuja, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Sunday Daji, emphasized that lasting peace is achieved through conscious effort, effective communication, and the consistent use of dialogue and mediation.
Delivering the DG’s remarks, Daji emphasized that peacebuilding requires deliberate effort, noting that conflicts often stem from everyday misunderstandings and poor communication.
“In every society, peace is not achieved by chance. It is built through our daily interactions and our choices,” he said.
He further described negotiation as a mark of strength, not weakness, urging participants to embrace dialogue and mediation in resolving disputes.
“Negotiating for peace is not a sign of weakness. It is a demonstration of wisdom, courage, and vision.”
Daji also highlighted the participation of officers from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), describing it as a sign of growing recognition within Nigeria’s security architecture that sustainable peace goes beyond enforcement.
“Sustainable peace is not achieved through enforcement alone, but demands the deployment of negotiation, dialogue, and mediation at every level of public service,” he added.
He announced that the 19 participants would be inducted as Members of the Peace Institute (MPI), charging them to uphold professional standards and serve as advocates of peaceful conflict resolution in their respective fields.
In her remarks,SA Ibrahim from Nigerian Immigration Service, described the programme as a transformative experience, noting that participants overcame initial challenges to complete what he called a “worthwhile journey.”
“When we started, it was like, when are we going to finish this?… but we kept encouraging ourselves that it’s a journey worth taking,” she said.
She stressed that the knowledge gained during the training is invaluable and cannot be measured in monetary terms.
“What is ahead is what money cannot buy.”
Ibrahim assured that participants would serve as committed peace ambassadors, applying the knowledge acquired in their workplaces and communities.
“We are not just leaving here… but as peace ambassadors… not for decoration.”
Earlier, the Director of the National Peace Academy, Dr. Emmanuel Mamman, commended the participants for their discipline and dedication, describing the cohort as the best so far.
“This particular group… has been one of the best, in fact the best group so far.”
He urged them to prioritize practical application of the knowledge gained, warning against placing undue emphasis on certificates rather than impact.
“Any knowledge or information not used is as good as not having it,” he said.
Mamman also encouraged continuous engagement with the Institute, calling on participants to contribute ideas that would enhance peace and security in the country.
The training programme, which lasted three weeks, covered basic conflict management, workplace reconciliation, and advanced negotiation and mediation strategies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s peacebuilding capacity.