The Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Peter Ochogwo, has revealed that the Institute played a frontline role in peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions across Nigeria’s conflict-affected communities through strategic partnerships with international organisations, including UNICEF.
Speaking on the podcast Conversations with Prof. Jideofor Adibe, Ochogwo disclosed that between 2015 and 2020, the Institute collaborated with international partners on projects centred on needs assessment and community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
He stressed that the IPCR is not a military or arms-bearing institution but a knowledge-driven agency focused on research, policy development and conflict resolution.
According to him, the Institute’s interventions have helped create pathways for humanitarian support, particularly in communities across Nigeria’s North-East ravaged by insurgency and displacement.
“We have trained communities in areas such as forgiveness, reconciliation and peacebuilding to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of displaced persons into their communities,” he said.
Ochogwo, however, lamented inadequate funding, noting that many of the Institute’s field operations have been sustained through collaborations with development partners and other relevant stakeholders.
The IPCR boss further disclosed that the Institute is actively addressing the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation, particularly in efforts to counter violent extremism and strengthen national unity.
He said government agencies, civil society groups and development partners must work together to reshape harmful narratives and promote messages that foster peace, trust and social cohesion.
“Conflict is broad, and so is peace. Neither can be addressed in isolation. It requires partnerships that bring new skills, perspectives and expertise to support those on the frontline of peacebuilding and conflict management,” Ochogwo stated.
