Centre for peace building unveiled in Abuja ahead 2027

A new Centre for Peace, Conflict Resolution and Community Resilience (CPCC) has been launched in Abuja as stakeholders called for stronger grassroots peacebuilding initiatives to tackle insecurity and promote peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.

The public presentation of the centre, held at the weekend, was themed: “Advancing Peace, Security and Community Resilience in Nigeria: Dialogue and Action towards the 2027 General Election.”

It attracted academics, government officials, civil society organisations and development partners.

Speaking at the event, the Director of the Centre, Rev. (Dr) Austin Uchegbu, said the establishment of the institution comes at a critical period when Nigeria is grappling with violent conflicts, environmental challenges and socio-political tensions.

He said the Centre would provide research-driven and practical solutions aimed at strengthening peace and resilience in communities across the country.

“Today marks not merely the unveiling of a new institution, but the beginning of a strategic and transformative journey. These realities call for innovative responses, informed research, practical interventions and collaborative action,” Uchegbu said.

According to him, the Centre will focus on building community resilience ahead of the 2027 elections by equipping local communities with the knowledge and capacity to resist violence, division and political manipulation.

He said the Centre would operate through four major areas of intervention: interdisciplinary research, professional certification, policy guidance and risk assessment, as well as consultancy services.

As part of activities marking its inauguration, the Centre unveiled its official digital platform and launched the maiden edition of the African Journal of Peace and Community Resilience.

Uchegbu also called for partnerships with universities, civil society organisations, government agencies and international institutions to strengthen knowledge-sharing and promote sustainable peace initiatives.

“We believe that through these partnerships, we can build stronger networks of knowledge, innovation and action capable of addressing complex realities confronting our communities,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Professor Azikiwe Peter Onuwala, Professor Samuel Iroye criticised what he described as the disconnect between Nigeria’s political leaders and the rural communities most affected by insecurity.

He accused many elected officials, particularly local government chairmen, of abandoning their constituencies to reside in Abuja while citizens continue to face insecurity and economic hardship.

“Politicians, like chairmen of local government areas, commit offences and then they move to Abuja. That is why they don’t care what is happening in the rural areas. They will not travel by road from Lokoja to the East—they won’t do that. Instead, they will fly from Abuja straight to their destinations,” he said.

Iroye urged Nigerians to demand greater accountability from political office holders ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Let’s hold them accountable. The only reason I will vote for you is if you come and live in our community, so that whatever happens to you, to her, or to me, happens to us all,” he said.

The keynote speaker also argued that Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be addressed through military operations alone, stressing that lasting peace requires tackling the root causes of conflict, including inequality, poor governance and exclusion.

He said communities should be empowered to become active participants in promoting peace rather than relying solely on government security interventions.

According to him, sustainable national security depends on strengthening local ownership, promoting inclusive governance, empowering women and youths, leveraging indigenous knowledge and expanding economic opportunities.

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the establishment of the Centre would strengthen Nigeria’s peace architecture by combining research, policy advocacy and community-based interventions to promote peaceful coexistence and conflict prevention as preparations gather pace for the 2027 general elections.

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