Abuja, Nigeria — The African Peace Institute for Social Research and the APUDI Institute for Peace Studies and Social Rehabilitation (APIS), in partnership with the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention, hosted the maiden International Peace Conference from May 15–17, 2024. The event, themed “Promoting Empirical Research for Peace Practice and Safety in Africa: A Peer Review,” took place at the FCDA Conference Hall, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Opening the conference, Chairman and former Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Prof. Suleiman Bala Mohammed, welcomed participants and emphasized the significance of empirical research in addressing peace and security challenges across Africa.
Delivering the lead paper, Dr. Ahmed Adamu Chiroma, Deputy Secretary of the Presidential Think Tank on Defence and Security, underscored the importance of evidence-based strategies. He stated, “Empirical research plays a crucial role in promoting peace practice and community safety in Africa,” advocating for interventions such as conflict resolution frameworks and community-based policing.
Dr. Chiroma concluded by recommending the institutionalization of evidence-based practices in academic and policy environments. He emphasized the need to equip stakeholders with skills for critical evaluation and application of data in peace-related decision-making.
APIS President and CEO, Major (Dr.) Hamza Al-Mustapha (Rtd), described the conference as an “epoch-making event,” reflecting on the transformation of the Al-Mustapha Peace and Development Initiative (APUDI) into a continental platform promoting unity and tolerance. He acknowledged pioneer staff and scholars including Prof. Michael Adiku, Prof. Danladi Atu, Prof. Emmanuel Danladi, Prof. Musa Maisamari, Prof. Mohammed Jaro, and Prof. Suleiman Bala Mohammed, calling for increased collaboration to generate verifiable data for conflict resolution.
In his welcome address, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, Director-General of APIS, stated that the conference aimed to facilitate peer engagement and evaluate existing peace strategies. With over 82 papers submitted, sessions were organized into panel discussions to foster interactive dialogue among researchers and practitioners.
In a virtual address, Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, reiterated the UN’s commitment to peace. She highlighted the role of Peace Studies in addressing root causes of violence and providing sustainable solutions in post-conflict societies, encouraging continued empirical research and partnership with APIS.
Goodwill messages were received from high-profile dignitaries and institutions, including:
Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Marakinyo Olotu, Commandant, National Defence College, Nigeria
Alh. A. S. Adeleke fsi+, mni, Commandant, National Institute for Security Studies
Representatives of the Chief of Air Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja
Representatives from Nasarawa State University Keffi and the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), among others.
Day two of the conference, held at APIS Office, Bassan Plaza, Abuja, featured paper review sessions where panelists and participants engaged in dynamic discussions, fostering peer-to-peer learning and feedback.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Kelvin Ihentu, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, who appreciated participants, facilitators, and partners for their contributions toward making the conference a resounding success.
15th May 2024
Dafir Zughumnaan
Media Aide to
Prof. Danladi Abok Atu
APIS (Nigeria)
