IPCR, Online Editors Partner to Promote Peace, Ethical Journalism
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr Joseph Ochogwu, has called for concerted and sustained collaboration among stakeholders to secure and sustain peace in Nigeria.
Dr Ochogwu made the call at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute and the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), held at the IPCR headquarters in Abuja.
He said peace-building is an all-inclusive task that cannot be achieved by a single institution, stressing that it requires the active involvement of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), national and multinational bodies, state and non-state actors.
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According to him, addressing Nigeria’s peace and security challenges demands the mobilisation of all available resources which include intellectual, institutional and informational with the media playing a critical and responsible role.
“Peace is all-inclusive. No single institution can do it alone,” he said.
The IPCR boss cautioned against destructive criticism, noting that persistent negative narratives about the country weaken national cohesion and project a poor image to the outside world.
“Your nation is like your family. When you constantly pull it down, outsiders begin to see it as broken. Constructive engagement strengthens nations, while destructive criticism weakens them,” he stated.
Dr Ochogwu also said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot deliver its agenda in isolation, adding that national progress requires synergy among government institutions, the media and civil society organisations.
He described the partnership with ACOE as strategic, saying it was aimed at amplifying voices for peace, dialogue, understanding and development, not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
“This partnership is about amplifying voices for peace, dialogue, understanding and development,” he added.
The high point of the event was the formal endorsement of the MoU by Dr Ochogwu and the Chairman of ACOE, Mr Shola Akingboye.
Highlights of the agreement include collaboration in promoting ethical online journalism and peacebuilding initiatives; support for research, policy advocacy and public campaigns to improve governance, transparency and citizen participation in peace processes.
Other areas of cooperation include joint research on the impact of online media on conflict dynamics, leading to publications, reports and policy briefs; exchange of information and best practices on conflict resolution and digital media ethics; and participation in each other’s events such as lectures, awards and conferences to amplify messages on peace and media responsibility.
Earlier, Akingboye commended Dr Ochogwu for his leadership and efforts at repositioning the Institute to effectively deliver on its mandate.
He assured the Institute of ACOE’s commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership, noting that the association would leverage digital platforms to support peace initiatives across the country.
“Given our commitment to being the voice for the voiceless, we are here to pledge our willingness to support all efforts aimed at improving peace in Nigeria through enhanced collaboration,” he said.
“You can count on us to utilise our various media platforms to support the good work going on under your leadership at IPCR. We will leverage the reach and ease of digital platforms to showcase IPCR’s positive works, enhance online visibility, drive engagement and educate stakeholders in line with your goals.”
