By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – The Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has expressed concern over the escalating violent conflicts in the country.
Prof. Martins Ifeanacho, the Director of the centre, raised these concerns at a workshop organised by the centre to mark the 2024 Global Peace Day in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
He said that the country was currently witnessing increasing sectarian violence, insurgency, and communal strife, serving as a reminder of the fragile peace within the nation.
“Nigerians must rise above ethnic, religious and political divides to embrace dialogue and reconciliation for a peaceful and prosperous society.
“Peace must be preached from our pulpits and podiums, from every corner of our society, and must resonate in our homes, schools, and workplaces,” he said.
Ifeanacho emphasised the need for the Federal Government to adopt holistic approach to promoting peace, security, and unity among citizens.
He said that children must be taught the values of empathy, tolerance, and conflict resolution from an early age.
“We must utilise our media and communication channels to spread messages of peace, countering narratives of hate and division.
“There can be no lasting peace without addressing the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination,” he added.
Ifeanacho stated that the Global Peace Day serves as a reminder to the international community to work tirelessly to end conflicts and promote the values of tolerance, respect, and human dignity.
“We live in a world where war looms large, where geo-political tensions threaten global security, and where the voices of the marginalised cry out for justice,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to prioritise the economic well-being of citizens and to provide a lasting solution to the twin problems of unemployment and poverty.
Meanwhile, UNIPORT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, urged peacebuilding effort to overcome the devasting effects of intercommunal clashes, militancy, and restiveness.
He urged individuals, communities, and institutions to take concrete steps to build bridges and resolve disputes peacefully.
According to him, UNIPORT, through the CPSS, is at the forefront of promoting national and global peace.
“We understand that the absence of war and violence cannot be achieved easily, but through continuous effort, requiring the participation of political groups, the military, educational institutions, and grassroot movements.
“CPSS is advancing these principles through research, education, and outreach programmes aimed at cultivating a culture of peace,” he revealed.
In a keynote address, Mr Olatunji Disu, the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, urged collaboration between security agencies and communities.
He emphasised the need for tertiary institutions to upgrade their internal security architecture to address security breaches within their facilities.
“Nigerians must be in peace with one another, and students and staff must co-exist harmoniously to achieve organisational effectiveness, ultimately ensuring the safety of lives and properties.
“There is a need for collaboration between university managements, host communities, security agencies, and students for the overall benefit of all stakeholders,” Disu urged.
