The Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, has called for stronger partnerships and innovative approaches in tackling the rising threat of violent extremism in Nigeria and the Sahel.
Dr. Ochogwu made the call in Abuja while delivering a goodwill message at the National Summit on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), which opened Thursday at Lake Greenfield Hotel & Towers, Kado District. The three-day summit has the theme “The Evolving Landscape of Violent Extremism: Emerging Issues in Nigeria and the Sahel.”
He noted that violent extremism has continued to evolve, crossing borders, exploiting vulnerabilities, and undermining peace, development, and human dignity. According to him, Nigeria and the Sahel are now confronted with new patterns of radicalisation, hybrid threats, and the worsening effects of socio-economic and political grievances.
“These realities demand not only vigilance, but also innovation, collaboration, and a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response,” Ochogwu stressed.
The IPCR boss reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to promoting dialogue, building resilience, and supporting evidence based strategies for sustainable peace. He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the PAVE Network, the PCVE Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub (KIRH), the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), and ActionAid for championing inclusive and community-driven efforts in preventing and countering violent extremism.
Ochogwu described the summit as a critical platform to reflect, share insights, and chart forward-looking strategies. He urged participants to use the gathering to strengthen partnerships, amplify community voices, and reaffirm their resolve to build a Nigeria and Sahel region where peace “is not the exception but the norm.”
He wished the summit participants fruitful deliberations and enduring impact.