The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution has urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to peace, unity and national development as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.

The Director-General of the IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, made the call in an Independence Day statement issued on Wednesday, noting that sustainable development could not be achieved amid violent conflicts, intolerance, hate speech, exclusion and mistrust.

Ochogwu said the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence, celebrate its achievements and renew their commitment to building a peaceful, united, secure and prosperous nation.

He said, “IPCR notes that sustainable development cannot be achieved in an environment characterised by violent conflict, intolerance, hate speech, exclusion and mistrust. Consequently, the Institute calls on all Nigerians to make peacebuilding and peaceful coexistence a shared responsibility.”

The institute urged political leaders, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, the media, young people and other stakeholders to promote dialogue, tolerance and constructive engagement in addressing differences and resolving disputes.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the IPCR stressed the need for peaceful political participation and responsible civic engagement, urging political actors to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law and democratic principles.

The IPCR DG called on political actors and their supporters to, “reject violence, inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation, disinformation and other actions capable of heightening tensions or undermining national cohesion”.

According to the institute, elections should be regarded not only as contests for political power but also as opportunities for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights and strengthen democratic governance.

The IPCR also acknowledged the sacrifices of security agencies and other peace actors working to protect communities and maintain national security.

It called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, communities and civil society organisations to prevent and respond to emerging conflicts.

The institute further called for greater investment in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, early warning and early response mechanisms, youth empowerment, social inclusion and community resilience.

Ochogwu, addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty, unemployment, exclusion and social injustice, remained critical to securing lasting peace.

He stated that, “Nigeria’s diversity remained one of its greatest assets and it’s future would be better secured when citizens, irrespective of ethnic, religious, political, regional or social differences, regarded themselves as stakeholders in one national project”.

Ochogwu reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government and other stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria’s peace architecture and promoting a culture of dialogue, tolerance and peaceful conflict resolution.

The institute urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to unity, justice, peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship and national service as the country enters another year of nationhood.

The DG in a call to citizens, urged Nigerians to work together in the spirit of “one nation, one people” to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous country for present and future generations.