Jimmie Adzande
Kaduna
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE CONFERENCE
It
was a busy week in the Northwest town of Kaduna, from 1st to 5th July, 2024, as
peace scholars and practitioners converged on the old headquarters of the
northern region for reflections into the past and strategies into the future,
in the quest for peaceful and harmonious Nigeria and Africa.
The
18th Annual International Conference and General Assembly was hosted by the
Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) in collaboration with Nigerian
Defence Academy (NDA), with the theme: "Community Engagement: Networking
Kinetic and Non -Kinetic Capabilities for Tackling Insecurity in Africa"
lasted for 3 days, at the JN Garba Hall, Postgraduate School, Ribadu Campus,
Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
According
to the President of the Society, Nathaniel Msen Awuapila, this year's
convention came in with innovations and ideas that will further consolidate on
the workings of SPSP. He appreciated the founder, Board members, Body of
Fellows and members of the organisation for the progress so far, and
highlighted the strategic agenda for the convention.
The
Commandant of NDA who was represented by his Deputy Commandant, Air Vice
Marshall SK Aneke, welcomed the peace scholars and practitioners to the event
and highlighted the vision of the military in blending the kinetic and non
kinetic strategies in the quest for fighting terrorism, banditry and other
forms of criminality in Nigeria.
The
Board of Trustees Chairman, Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro narrated the
story of SPSP; where it all started and where it is today. The former
TETFUND Boss attributed the gains to the tireless efforts of personalities like
the founder, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert, and others who developed a worthy
idea.
Remarks
were also received from the Chairman of the occasion and former Chief of
Defence Staff (CDS) General Martin Luther Agwai CFR, who also appreciated SPSP
and complimented the idea that in most cases, the non kinetic strategy is the
best for winning war situations or conflicts.
Goodwill
messages poured in from different organisations including WANEP, NOUN, APUDI,
IPCR, USIP, University of Ibadan, Philippines Consulate in Nigeria, and
others who seek to support and compliment the SPSP peace agenda in Africa.
The
Governors of Kaduna and Borno as well as that of Kano, who came in
representative capacities, applauded the efforts towards peace, by the
Society.
The
Borno State representative, Prof. Usman Tar enlightened the audience on what he
calls the "Borno State Model" in the fight against insurgency in that
state.
A
total of 83 papers were presented by national and international scholars as
well as expert panels, sponsored by: USIP, GIZ/ECOWAS, RSH, Borno State
Government and UNESCO Chair on Peace and Citizenship. All the (82) technical
sessions were chaired by distinguished academics, drawn from SPSP's partner
institutions and other eminent persons, while the Coordinator of IIPRP,
Dr. John Tsuwa, coordinated the Conference Technical Sessions.
Keynote
Speaker, Prof. Freedom Onuoha spoke on peace efforts and the gains as well as
setbacks in Nigeria and Africa. Before this presentation, the technical
sessions were filled with presentations from online participants and those
present, around the theme of the convention.
Some
of the highlights of the 2024 Convention included fellowship induction,
induction of the founder of SPSP into the Hall of Fame, book presentation in
honour of the BOT Chairman, Prof. Bogoro, special recognition of the SPSP
pioneer President, late Dr. Nurudeen Olarinde, establishment of the Brig. Gen.
(Rtd) Jones Arogbofa Fund for Peace. The founder, the BOT Chairman and the
President took turns to explain what all these special recognitions meant to
the SPSP family.
The
founder also gladly presented the peace practice workshop with the framework:
"Community Engagement in Crisis Management," amongst many other
presentions.
The
SPSP General Assembly was heralded with address by Ms. Winifred Ereyi of the
Think Stem Foundation, from Florida USA.
This
was followed by the presentation of secretariat reports on the running of the
SPSP, as well as financial report. Dr. Lanre Yusuf was unanimously elected as
the substantive Secretary General with closing statements from the President
and the Conference Manager, who is also a Vice President, Dr. Obi Ndifon
Neji. The last activities were a tour of the Afaka main seat of the NDA,
as well a dinner session on the 4th of July 2024.
