IPCR Deepens Peacebuilding Drive, Signs MoUs With Five Organisations in Abuja

IPCR Deepens Peacebuilding Drive, Signs MoUs With Five Organisations in Abuja

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has strengthened its collaboration with civil society actors as it signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with five non-governmental organisations in Abuja, aimed at deepening peacebuilding interventions across Nigeria.

The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, described the development as a significant step toward consolidating collective efforts to address Nigeria’s complex and evolving conflict environment.

He said the institute remains committed to supporting government, communities and development partners through research-driven solutions, policy advocacy and direct interventions designed to promote lasting peace.

According to him, contemporary social conflicts are constantly changing in nature, requiring adaptive thinking and innovative responses from all stakeholders involved in peacebuilding.

“Conflicts and social problems are constantly evolving and, in some cases, mutating,” he said. “This demands critical thinking and forward-looking strategies to provide sustainable solutions. The Institute is committed to delivering services through research, advocacy, direct interventions and capacity development for diverse stakeholders.”

Dr. Ochogwu explained that IPCR collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including government institutions, international partners, civil society groups and community-based organisations, all working toward the shared goal of conflict prevention and peace promotion.

He urged the partner organisations to ensure that the agreements go beyond formal documentation, stressing that the real value of the partnerships lies in implementation and measurable impact on communities.

“These MoUs are signed today with the belief that you are going to do the work and impact lives,” he said. “We do not just believe in signing MoUs; we believe in activating the spirit behind them. Our focus is on practical collaboration, leveraging comparative strengths and ensuring that these partnerships deliver real value to society.”

The organisations that entered into partnership with IPCR include the Carl-Maji Foundation, represented by its Director of Programmes, Faith Ayegba, a non-profit focused on empowering women and young people through education, economic opportunities and gender equality initiatives.

Also part of the agreement is the 3C’s Met International Institute, led by Principal Partner, Chijoke Nnanna Ibeku, an Alternative Dispute Resolution body that provides training in mediation, negotiation, counselling and conciliation to enhance conflict resolution skills across different sectors.

The Ihotu Children and Women Support Initiative (ICAWSI), represented by Executive Director, Emmanuel Grace Eki, also signed the MoU. The organisation focuses on vulnerable women and children, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, through education support, healthcare interventions and human rights advocacy.

Others include the Esteemed Hub Foundation, led by Princess Doosugh Agbadu Adu, a youth-focused organisation active in empowerment programmes, mental health advocacy, climate action and gender equality initiatives across several states.

The Peace Education and Practice Network (PEPNET), represented by Ambassador Moses Abolade, also joined the partnership. The organisation promotes peace education by integrating conflict resolution training into schools and communities while developing peace ambassadors and addressing insecurity through education-based approaches.

The MoU signing is expected to deepen collaboration between IPCR and civil society organisations, strengthening a multi-stakeholder framework for peacebuilding, conflict prevention and sustainable development across the country.