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IPCR Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Peace
IPCR Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Peace
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged government, private sector, security agencies, the media, as well as religious and traditional leaders to work together to strengthen peace in Nigeria.
The call was made at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Institute, celebrated alongside the 2025 International Day of Peace.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, said the theme of this year’s International Day of Peace, “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, underscores the urgency for collective action.
“The imperative to act now reflects the reality that peace cannot be deferred, delegated, or delayed. It requires immediate, sustained, and coordinated action from individuals, institutions, and nations,” Ochogwu stressed.
Reflecting on the institute’s achievements over the last 25 years, the DG highlighted IPCR’s role in training thousands of peace practitioners, mediators, and community leaders, as well as its interventions in communal disputes, electoral violence prevention, and religious reconciliation efforts.
“Our early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms have helped prevent the escalation of numerous potential conflicts, saving countless lives and preserving community harmony,” he noted.
Ochogwu also emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and civil society in tackling insecurity, banditry, and communal clashes across Nigeria.
“Government must prioritize conflict prevention, invest in peacebuilding infrastructure, and ensure that development policies are conflict-sensitive and inclusive,” he said.
The DG further called on the media to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting and use their platforms to amplify voices of peace and reconciliation, while urging religious and traditional leaders to leverage their influence to promote tolerance and understanding.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, IPCR outlined a series of activities, including interfaith prayer sessions, a “Sports for Peace and Mental Health Clinic,” and a peace walk followed by a commemorative lecture.
He emphasized that sustainable peace is deeply connected to individual wellbeing. To promote this, the organization is launching a “Sport for Peace and Mental Health” clinic a creative initiative combining physical activity with mental health support.
This approach not only helps address trauma and the physiological impacts of conflict but also fosters community healing through active engagement.
“Recognizing that peace begins with individual wellbeing, we are hosting a Sport for Peace and Mental Health Clinic that integrates physical activity with mental health support. This innovative approach acknowledges that sustainable peace requires addressing the physiological dimensions of conflict and trauma while promoting healthy community engagement through sport.”
Ochogwu concluded with a reminder of the institute’s long-term mission.
“Peace is both a destination and a journey. The past 25 years have shown that sustainable peace is possible when we act with determination and unity. The time for peace is always now.”
IPCR Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Peace
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
By: Michael Mike
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday commissioned newly completed nursing quarters and two mega primary schools in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to quality education in the state.
The projects were executed under Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, which has continued to prioritize infrastructure development in the health and education sectors.
The newly inaugurated nursing quarters, located beside the State Specialist Hospital, consist of eight blocks of six flats each. The housing units are fully furnished and fitted with air-conditioning systems to improve living conditions for medical personnel.
In the education sector, Senator Tinubu also commissioned Aliyakeri and Abbaganaram Mega Primary Schools. Each facility features 48 classrooms designed to accommodate thousands of pupils, alongside ICT centres, modern sports facilities, e-learning platforms, and solar-powered systems to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady commended Governor Zulum’s leadership style, describing the projects as people-focused and impactful.
“What we have seen so far in Borno is quite encouraging. You have done very well, and I am truly honoured to be part of this commissioning,” she said.
Governor Zulum’s administration has reportedly completed 104 mega schools across the state, with additional projects ongoing across Borno’s 27 local government areas.
During the event, Senator Tinubu also flagged off a N200 million empowerment programme targeting 2,000 vulnerable women. Each beneficiary is expected to receive N100,000 alongside a sewing machine to support small-scale businesses and improve household income.
The First Lady praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with national efforts to strengthen community-based economic empowerment and food security programmes.
Under the distribution plan, 400 women were selected from Maiduguri metropolis, 200 from Jere Local Government Area, 100 from Biu, while 50 beneficiaries were drawn from each of the remaining 24 local government areas.
In addition, eight outstanding education workers, including teachers, head teachers, principals, TVET coordinators, and ministry staff, were presented with brand-new utility vehicles in recognition of their service.
In a related gesture, Governor Zulum also presented a house to a ministry watchman, Baba Modu Fandi, in appreciation of his dedication, while Senator Tinubu further supported him with an additional ₦2 million financial assistance.
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Two men are receiving treatment at a hospital in Niger State after sustaining serious injuries in a violent altercation reportedly linked to a dispute at an illegal mining site.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred in a Fulani settlement near Iwa village in Gurara Local Government Area.
The sources said the matter was reported to the police on April 25 at about 1:30 p.m. after the victims were brought in by the Officer-in-Charge of Iwa Outstation.
According to the sources, the confrontation began on April 24 at about 9:00 a.m. when Jibril Yusuf, 22, allegedly went to the hut of Haruna Tukur, 35, and set him ablaze after a misunderstanding at an illegal mining site.
The sources further stated that Haruna Tukur, in retaliation, attacked Jibril Yusuf with a machete, severing his fingers during the violent exchange.
Both men were rushed to the General Hospital in Gawu Babangida, where they are currently responding to treatment.
Security operatives said investigations have commenced to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while the case remains under active review.
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
A heavy windstorm following a downpour has caused partial damage to structures at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Paiko, Niger State, leaving two children injured.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 8:00 p.m. when strong winds brought down parts of the camp infrastructure during the rainfall.
The sources said police personnel were immediately mobilised to the scene to restore order and provide security, while some corps members were safely evacuated from affected areas.
According to the sources, no loss of life was recorded in the incident.
However, two girls identified as Fati Abdul, 12, and Adewumi Adesola, 11, sustained minor injuries during the incident. They were taken to a medical facility, treated and later discharged.
The sources added that normalcy has since been restored at the camp, while the area remains calm and under observation to ensure continued safety of occupants.
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
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