It was a groundbreaking conference, that provided experts an opportunity, not only shed light on vital issues pertaining to peace and safety in Africa but also to forge new partnerships and innovative solutions.

This is the nature of the just concluded Maiden International Peace Conference, organized by African Peace Institute for Social Research and APUDI Institute for Peace Studies and Social Rehabilitation (APIS), in conjunction with the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention, which commenced from Wednesday, 15th and ended Friday, 17th May 2024 at the Federal Capital Development Authority Conference Hall (FCDA) Abuja.

Declaring the conference opened, Director General, APUDI Institute of Peace Studies and Social Rehabilitation (APIS), Processor Danladi Atu said, “The conference aims at foster empirical research for peace practice and safety in Africa”

Dwelling on the lead paper presenter, Dr. Ahmed Adamu Chiroma’s  points which highlighted the importance of the research in an effort to attempt solving problems through imperical approach, calling on all experts and key stakeholders consciousness towards same direction.

Atu further remarks pointed how the maiden International Peace Conference seeks to create a vibrant platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and networking.

“This collaborative effort emphasizes the importance of evidence-based research to drive effective peace initiatives in Africa” said the DG APIS.

Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution,Professor Bosede Awobuta, also underlined the significance of understanding peace concepts and research methodologies to achieve desired outcomes. 

Speaking from women Development perspective, Professor Juliana Mafuyei, emphasized the importance of women inclusion in peacebuilding processes. “If you don’t involve women, there won’t be peace.” She Maintained.

Students,NYSC Participants Shehu Bala and  others, all acknowledged the need to bridge gap between theory and practice by incorporating community-based approaches and empirical research into academic curricula. 

Dr. Thomas Okane Ahmed from the National Defense College reiterated the value of collaborative and multi-disciplinary efforts in addressing societal issues, such as peace. Hence a call on all hands to be on desk for the attainment of proactive security system. 

To wrap up the events opening with a grand speech, Major Hamzs Al-Mustapha who is the president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) APIS, described the present security challenge faced by the Africa as “horrific”, saying, “It require a systematic, scientific approach to resolving it”.

Some notable key speakers and critical stakeholders in peace practice and management who spoke either through representation or in persons, the rapporteur as put together by Professor Dimis Mailafia, all agreed with Prof. Atu’s position.

DR. SALIM MUSA UMAR, FCIDA Chairman, Farmers and Herders Initiative for Peace and Development Jos, Plateau,JESSICA ROLAND, Senior Specialist for Inclusive Peace for the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, New York, USA Capt. John VanStone

Chairman Board of Trustees, African Peace Institute and Social Research (APISR), also made a remake in support of the development, while Alice Wairimu Nderitu, UN under Secreand Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide. New York, USA.

There was a communique committee which put up all submissions for further actions towards actualization of peace project in Africa.

The conference was climaxed with certificates presentation to participants.