IPCR's Dr. Ochogwu Advocates for Peace Investment

During a media briefing in Abuja, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), called for greater investment in peace-building ahead of the 2026 International Day of Peace on September 21. He stated that this year's theme signifies a shift from merely viewing peace as the absence of war to recognizing it as a sustained investment requiring resources and collective action.

Ochogwu identified Nigeria's complex challenges, including violent extremism, farmer-herder conflicts, and misinformation, underscoring the need for serious attention to peace infrastructure. He urged federal and state governments to prioritize peace-building in budget allocations and policy design and called on the National Assembly to enhance legislation supporting social cohesion.

Ochogwu also emphasized the role of the private sector, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the media in promoting peace and countering divisive narratives. He highlighted the importance of local government institutions in addressing community grievances and called for their capacity strengthening.