Posts in category: Peace Building

Stakeholders on Tuesday decried the impact of inequality, social injustice and disinformation on peaceful co-existence and urged for renewed efforts to combat them.

Speaking at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Gombe State, the Coordinator of Women, Peace and Security, Gombe Media Network, Alhassan Yahya, called for concerted moves geared towards changing the narratives.

Yahya, who was represented by Comfort Mukollo, spoke at the commemoration of the 2024 International Peace Day with the theme, ‘Building lasting peace through dialogue and cooperation.’

He said, “International Peace Day, also known as Peace Day, has its roots in the United Nations (UN) efforts to promote peace and ceasefires worldwide.

“International Peace Day serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, tolerance and cooperation in achieving a more just and equitable world.

“Today, we gather to commemorate International Peace Day, a global celebration of peace, unity, and cooperation. As we mark this significant occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting peace, justice and human rights for all.”

According to him, the 2024 theme emphasises the importance of inclusive dialogue and collaborative efforts in resolving conflicts and promoting sustainable peace, saying, “We recognise that peace is not just the absence of war but a state of being that enables individuals, communities and nations to thrive.”

While urging for renewed commitment to the UN Charter’s principles, upholding human dignity, and promoting peaceful resolution of disputes, the network called for a collective action to address pressing issues like climate change and inequality, among others.

“We emphasise the need for inclusive, respectful dialogue to resolve conflicts and foster mutual understanding. We recognise the critical role of young people in promoting peace and encourage their participation in peace-building

“We urge governments, civil society and individuals to advocate for policies promoting peace, justice and human rights.

“Support peace-building initiatives and conflict resolution efforts. Engage in respectful dialogue and encourage others to do the same. As we observe International Peace Day 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to peace, unity, and cooperation. Together, we can create a more just, equitable, and peaceful world for all,” Yahya added.

On her part, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Sada’atu Ishaya, lauded the UN for its initiatives geared towards equality and the empowerment of women.

The Federal Government has implored the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) technique in conflict resolution on water management.

The Acting Executive Director, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), Mrs. Sakinatu Suleiman Abbo Jimeta made the statement while declaring open the workshop on ‘Support for Conflict Management in the Enforcement of the Water Resources Act’ in Abuja.

She said “the purpose of this workshop is to train participants on techniques that parties can use in settling disputes with the help of a third-party engagement. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is of universal application, with commendable outcome. The ADR technique helps to ensure effective conflict and dispute resolution as an alternative to litigation which we all know is time wasting and expensive”.

According to Jimeta: “We gather here to engage in the rudiment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). We know that dispute is inherent in every society, so, there will always be disputes and disagreements that sometimes are occasioned by misunderstanding of facts and events, and sometimes because of peculiarities of human nature. Water, they say, is life and the first thing to search for is water and where there is water, there is also conflict in respect to water uses.”

“This workshop is a ‘train the trainer initiative’ which is expected to train potential instructors on the subject matter to enable them to train other staff in the organization and in the field,” she added.

The Legal Adviser, NIWRMC Mr Rotimi Ojegbile while delivering his introductory speech said “we have cases in court arising from these disputes and we consider it very important, we should consider alternatives to all disputes. We don’t want to begin to carry over disputes and disagreements in an acrimonious manner knowing fully well that truly disputes and offences will arise but there are also ways of ensuring that these disputes are settled and resolved without the parties becoming enemies on account of their differences.”

He explained that “ADR is not a new concept. It is something that has been in Africa for a long time. ADR is used to resolve disputes through reconciliation and mediation through a third party.”

Fatimah Yusuf
Head (Information and PR)

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has addressed the 79th United Nations General Assembly, emphasising Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to international peace and security.

Speaking in New York, the United States at the Summit of the Future interactive dialogue on: “Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security,” the Minister said, “Since our first deployment in the Congo in 1960, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping missions globally,” While also highlighting the deployment of over 200,000 Nigerian troops in UN operations.

He canvassed for reform of the UN Security Council to ensure Africa was represented with permanent seats, arguing that this would enhance global stability.

His words: “Nigeria has remained unequivocal in its commitment to international peacebuilding and security, since the first engagement of its troops in the Congo in 1960.

“To date, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over two hundred thousand Nigerian troops serving in UN peacekeeping missions.

“Under the regional and sub-regional cooperation, Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in field missions in Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Sudan and Sierra Leone, among others, and has contributed a lot in terms of finance, logistics, troops, and civilian experts, making her one of the most significant African troops and police contributors to the United Nations missions.

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“It is on this basis that Nigeria continues to call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to give just representation to Africa on a permanent basis for inclusivity and deepening of global peace and security.”

Badaru emphasised the importance of building professional African armies to combat terrorism and called for operationalising the African Standby Force.

He also highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle transnational crime and illegal arms trafficking, particularly in the Sahel region.

According to him: “We recognise the need for Africa to build strong and professional armies, to, among other things, defeat terrorism.

“Nigeria, calls for the operationalisation of the African Standby Force (ASF), and the provision of requisite support and resources to ensure the upgrade, take off, and effectiveness of a centre of excellence in Africa on issues of counter-terrorism.

“We reiterate the call to strengthen regional and sub-regional cooperation, build capacities of Member States, promote cooperation and understanding, as well as defuse tensions, and seek a peaceful settlement of disputes to resolve conflicts, especially in the Middle East and Ukraine.”

The Minister while reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to combating transnational organised crime emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that include prevention, early detection, protection, and law enforcement to address the rising alliances between bandits and terrorists.

“We must scale up our efforts,” he stated, highlighting the alarming trend of kidnappings for ransom and acts of piracy.

Badaru, called on the international community to intensify efforts to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in conflict zones, particularly in the Sahel region. He warned that unrestricted access to illicit arms by non-state actors exacerbates insecurity and instability.

“The time for action is now,” he urged, as Nigeria grapples with the complexities of organised crime that threaten regional stability and safety.

He added: “We must scale up efforts in addressing transnational organised crime and related illegal financial flows through comprehensive strategies, including prevention, early detection, protection, and law enforcement, especially in the wake of the emerging alliance between bandits and terrorists, including kidnapping for ransom and acts of piracy.

“We seize this opportunity to urge the international community to renew efforts to stem the tide of small arms and light weapons in conflict, especially within the Sahel region where unfettered access by non-state actors to illicit arms and light weapons continues to foster insecurity and instability.”

Badaru, concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to supporting UN efforts in combating terrorism and promoting global peace.