The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing national peace-building through responsible digital journalism and strategic collaboration.
​Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the IPCR Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, the Director General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, called for a collective approach to securing the nation. He emphasized that achieving holistic peace is beyond the capacity of a single entity and requires the active involvement of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and both state and non-state actors.
​”Peace is all-inclusive. No single institution can do it alone,” Dr. Ochogwu stated. He further noted that peace-building in the current Nigerian landscape requires the mobilization of intellectual, institutional, and informational resources—a transition where the media plays a pivotal role.
​Addressing the impact of public discourse on national stability, Dr. Ochogwu cautioned against destructive criticism. He likened the nation to a family, asserting that constant disparagement only serves to weaken the country’s image to the outside world. He urged the media to embrace constructive engagement to strengthen the nation’s fabric.
​The Director General also maintained that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requires the cooperation of government institutions, the media, and civil society to deliver its national agenda effectively. He described the partnership with ACOE as a vehicle for amplifying voices for dialogue and development across Africa.
​Key Provisions of the MoU
The formal agreement, endorsed by Dr. Ochogwu and the Chairman of ACOE, Mr. Shola Akingboye, outlines several strategic areas of cooperation:
​Ethical Journalism: Promoting peace-building initiatives and professional standards in online reporting.
​Collaborative Research: Investigating the impact of online media on conflict dynamics and publishing joint policy briefs.
​Public Advocacy: Supporting campaigns aimed at improving transparency and citizen participation in peace processes.
​Knowledge Exchange: Sharing resources and best practices related to digital media ethics and conflict resolution.
​In his remarks, the Chairman of ACOE, Shola Akingboye, commended the IPCR leadership for its commitment to the Institute’s mission. He pledged the association’s support, noting that ACOE is dedicated to being a “voice for the voiceless.”
​Akingboye assured that the association would leverage its various digital platforms to enhance the visibility of the IPCR’s peace initiatives, drive stakeholder engagement, and contribute to the overall goal of a more unified Nigeria.
