The Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, has called for sustained dialogue, peace education, conflict prevention, and renewed national unity as critical pillars for Nigeria’s stability and development.
Dr. Ochogwu made the call at the Nigeria First Unity Summit 2025, convened in Abuja. He was represented at the event by Dr. Emmanuel Mamman, Director of the National Peace Architecture (NPA), who noted that the summit aligns with IPCR’s mandate to promote mutual understanding and strengthen the social fabric across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
The summit brought together key government officials, youth leaders, peace advocates, development partners, and civil society groups under the theme “Peace, Unity and Security: A Collective Responsibility.” Organized by the City Boy Movement, the event sought to realign Nigeria’s national narrative, counter divisive rhetoric, and mobilize citizens toward shared responsibility for peace and stability.
Speaking at the summit, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Dr. Daniel Bwala, warned that misinformation and divisive narratives have become some of the most dangerous tools for destabilizing nations. He reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to transparent communication, national unity, and strengthening public trust.
Dr. Bwala stressed that Nigeria is not engaged in a religious or ethnic war but is united in the fight against criminal elements seeking to undermine national security. He urged youths to use their influence on digital platforms responsibly, noting that “the story of Nigeria must be told with truth, balance, and dignity.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Dr. Musa Babayo, highlighted the link between national security, infrastructure development, and economic growth. He explained that insecurity not only claims lives but also disrupts economic activities, transportation corridors, and social integration.
“Unity is not optional for Nigeria’s survival,” Babayo said. “Without peace, development is impossible, and without collective responsibility, peace is unattainable.” He reaffirmed FERMA’s commitment to safer federal roads, describing them as vital to military operations, humanitarian response, trade, and national cohesion, while urging Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric.
In his address titled “Towards a Safer Tomorrow: Nigeria’s Commitment to Stability,” the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, described insecurity across the country as a war against all Nigerians, rather than genocide or ethnic cleansing. He emphasized that criminal elements do not discriminate based on tribe, religion, or region.
Shoga cautioned the international community against misinterpreting Nigeria’s security challenges and urged citizens to reclaim the national narrative. “What we are facing is not North versus South or Christian versus Muslim. This is a national emergency, and we must confront it together,” he said. He commended President Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies for ongoing efforts to stabilize the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Chukwemeka Mbah underscored the influence of youths and social media in shaping national identity and public perception. While acknowledging the empowering role of digital platforms, he warned against their misuse for spreading misinformation and political manipulation. He encouraged young Nigerians to become “digital peace ambassadors,” stressing that national unity begins with the content shared online.
The Nigeria First Unity Summit 2025 concluded with a strong call for collective action, reinforcing the need for collaboration among government, civil society, and citizens in restoring peace and strengthening national cohesion.