Rev. John Joseph Hayab delivering opening remarks.
In response to rising security challenges threatening Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) to convene a summit to chart a path toward collaborative peacebuilding. The engagement on May 14, 2024, brought together government officials, security agents and experts, traditional and religious leaders, scholars, civil society organizations, and women and youth leaders from various communities in the region.
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu delivering the welcome remarks.
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the director general of the IPCR, appreciated guests and participants for responding to the call, which, according to him, is indicative of “unity of purpose for the collaborative effort.” “The theme of the summit does not portray an academic exercise but a clarion call for action,” said Dr. Ochogwu, “Because issues of insecurity we hear on a daily basis are not just statistics but a reality that has transformed our city, which was once a beacon of hope and peace into one of uncertainty, fear and dismay due to escalating rate of crime and insecurity.”
Dr. Ochogwu pointed out that recent research by the institute has pointed to an alarming level of insecurity in the city and the profound impact it is having on people both within and outside the country. Nevertheless, he expressed hope for a robust conversation that could lead to visible and realistic solutions that would enhance security in and around the capital city.
In his opening remarks, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the country Director of GPF Nigeria, expressed honor to be part of the high-level dialogue with a shared purpose to address the pressing need to promote collective responsibility for peace and security in Abuja.
HRH, Alhaji (Dr) Usman Nga Kupi, the Sa’peyi of Garki adding his voice to the conversation
Recognizing that injury to one is an injury to all, Rev. Hayab posited that “an unsafe and unsecured Federal Capital does not only signify danger to the whole nation but also portrays the country in an unwelcoming light. Accordingly, he asserted that achieving sustainable peace and security in Abuja requires concerted and collaborative efforts from the government, civil society organizations, NGOs, and all stakeholders who have critical roles to play.
Speaking further, Rev. Hayab submitted that GPF Nigeria firmly believes that sustainable peace cannot be easily achieved through a top-down approach but rather through the active participation of all sectors of society. Crime and all forms of violence are born out of society’s departure from our common humanity, said Rev. Hayab. It is in such light he said, that GPF promotes the vision of One Family Under God.
Panel of discussants during the technical session at the summit
The One Family Under God campaign conducted by GPF Nigeria “is a strategy to prompt all and sundry that we belong to one big esteemed human family, regardless of our diverse differences,” stated Rev. Hayab. He encouraged Nigerians to work hand in hand to make their respective societies peaceful and embrace one another whatever their identities.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Barr. Bello Mohammed Goronyo, the Honorable Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation; AIG Ogundele Joshua Ayodeji representing the inspector general of police; Mr. Nicodemus Ma’aji, the district head of Karu; and others from the Christian Association of Nigeria and National Orientation Agency.
Dr. Matthew Ogwuche, HOD, Department of Political Science, National Open University of Nigeria, delivered the keynote address. Speaking on the theme, “Charting a Path to Collective Responsibility: Strategies for Promoting Peace and Security in Abuja,” he pointed out that strategic planning is important to peace and security in Abuja. Dr. Ogwuche stated the state system must uphold good governance if the issues of insecurity are to be properly addressed. He also called for structures of open communication in the city as well as multi-stakeholder collaborations and the deployment of both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to address the issue.
Faith leaders greet each other at the Abuja summit.
In other presentations, Dr. Emmanuel Mamman, the director of Internal Conflict Resolution and Prevention at the IPCR, spoke on “Understanding the Security Landscape in Abuja” while Dr. Amos Iliya, the head of Research and Policy Analysis at the Institute spoke on “Spatial Analysis of Crimes in Abuja City Centre” which enlightened guests and participants on some mode of operations of criminality in the city. Jaye Gaskia, the director of Praxis Academy and chair of the Steering Committee of PAVE Network, wrapped up the session with the final presentation on “Harnessing Non-Kinetic Approaches for Fostering Peace and Security in Abuja.”
The last segment of the high-power dialogue was a technical session where experts engaged in two separate panel discussions on the government and stakeholders’ response to insecurity and building partnership for sustainable peace in Abuja. A robust Q&A session concluded the program, swiftly followed by a presentation on a drafted communique and action plan for continued peacebuilding in Abuja.
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