Dr Paul Nyulaku, the Country Director of International Alert, a peace-building NGO, emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to conflict and violence in Nigeria.
While acknowledging that providing security is important, especially in situations where violence is threatening or occurring, Nyulaku argued that it is not the only solution to peace-building in Nigeria.
According to Nyulaku, a more comprehensive response to conflict and violence is necessary, one that includes humanitarian and development responses.
He stressed the importance of bringing these responses together to consolidate peace, rather than simply forcing people not to fight.
Nyulaku believes that a security provision-driven approach would represent only one component of a much larger, integrated approach to conflict management and resolution.
Nyulaku also highlighted the crucial role that the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has to play in the development and implementation of a comprehensive and integrated approach to the prevention and sustenance of peace.
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He believes that IPCR can help prevent the escalation of conflicts by raising peace ambassadors and taking the proper steps to address whatever threatens peace.
Dr Joseph Ochogwu, the Director-General of IPCR, echoed Nyulaku’s sentiments, emphasizing that Nigeria needs to build peace and not just rely on solving conflicts.
Ochogwu urged peace-builders to take the necessary steps to prevent the escalation of conflicts, which have caused a decline in Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
In conclusion, Nyulaku and Ochogwu both stressed the importance of a comprehensive and integrated approach to conflict management and resolution in Nigeria.
While providing security is important, it is not the only solution to peace-building, and a more holistic approach is necessary to consolidate peace and prevent the escalation of conflicts.
