IPCR Seeks Stronger Stakeholder Collaboration to Secure National Peace…Signs MoU With ACOE

IPCR Seeks Stronger Stakeholder Collaboration to Secure National Peace…Signs MoU With ACOE

The Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, has called for stronger collaborative efforts among critical stakeholders to safeguard and sustain peace across Nigeria.

He made the call during the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute and the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), held at the Institute’s Headquarters in Abuja.

Dr. Ochogwu emphasized that peacebuilding is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the mandate of any single institution. According to him, achieving sustainable peace requires the active involvement of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, multilateral organisations, state and non-state actors, as well as the media.

“Peace is all-inclusive. No single institution can do it alone,” he said, stressing that modern peacebuilding demands the mobilisation of intellectual, institutional and informational resources—with the media playing a critical role.

He warned against destructive criticism of the nation, noting: “Your nation is like your family. When you constantly pull it down, outsiders begin to see it as broken. Constructive engagement strengthens nations. Destructive criticism weakens them.”

The IPCR boss further noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot actualise its development agenda in isolation. He said genuine progress requires synergy among government institutions, the media and civil society.

Highlighting the significance of the new partnership with ACOE, Dr. Ochogwu stated: “This partnership is about amplifying voices for peace, dialogue, understanding and development—not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.”

The ceremony climaxed with the MoU signing by Dr. Ochogwu and ACOE Chairman, Shola Akingboye.

Key areas covered in the MoU include:

Strengthening collaboration between IPCR and ACOE to promote ethical online journalism and peacebuilding initiatives.

Supporting joint research, policy advocacy and public campaigns aimed at enhancing governance, transparency and citizen engagement in peace processes.

Conducting collaborative research on the influence of digital media on conflict trends, with joint publications, reports and policy briefs.

Exchanging information, resources and best practices in conflict resolution and digital media ethics.

Participating in each other’s programmes—lectures, conferences, awards and campaigns—to amplify messages on peace and media responsibility.

In his remarks, ACOE Chairman, Shola Akingboye, commended Dr. Ochogwu for repositioning IPCR toward fulfilling its core mandate. He pledged the association’s full support for the Institute’s peace efforts.

“Given our commitment to being the voice for the voiceless, we are here to reaffirm our willingness to support all initiatives aimed at deepening peace in Nigeria through stronger collaboration,” he said.

“You can count on us to leverage our digital platforms to showcase IPCR’s impactful work, enhance its visibility, drive engagement, educate the public and contribute to your overall mission.”