Global peace advocate and founder of the Institute for Economics and Peace, Mr Steve Killelea, has held a high level meeting with the Conflict Research Network West Africa to advance practical pathways for sustainable peace in Nigeria and across the West African region.
The meeting, held in Abuja, brought together top officials of the host organisation, including the IEP Country Representative, Mr Roy Nwafor; Team Lead of SPRiNG, Professor Ukiwo Ukoha; Mr Obinna Chukwuezie; and Ms Lara Raji of CORN West Africa.
Deliberations focused on strengthening the use of data, local knowledge, and community driven approaches to prevent conflict and build resilience.
Participants examined how Positive Peace frameworks can better serve Nigeria’s peacebuilding priorities by aligning global insights with local realities. The discussion emphasised the need for credible, real time data that reflects lived experiences within communities, especially in fragile and conflict affected areas.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Obinna Chukwuezie, Associate Director at CORN West Africa, noted that while global peace frameworks provide structure for understanding conflict trends, gaps remain in capturing local perspectives.
He said localised peace metrics, when combined with strong narratives, can influence behaviour, shape public discourse, and support more responsive policymaking.
Mr Killelea, in his remarks, underscored the economic and social value of peace, stressing that countries that strengthen the institutions and attitudes that sustain peace are better positioned for long term growth and stability.
Professor Ukiwo Ukoha highlighted the significance of the NPAID initiative led by CORN West Africa, describing it as a vital tool for understanding patterns of both violence and resilience.
He explained that tracking peace efforts across government, communities, security institutions, and civil society will help identify what works in preventing conflict.
According to him, building evidence around successful peace interventions will not only deepen understanding but also encourage the replication of effective strategies across different contexts.
Ms Lara Raji pointed to the National Peace Web as a strategic platform for documenting peace actions, actors, and community level mechanisms that sustain stability. She explained that the platform provides real time insights that complement global indices and strengthen the overall evidence base for peacebuilding.
The engagement signals a growing commitment to bridging the gap between research and practice. It reinforces the importance of collaboration in equipping policymakers, practitioners, and communities with the tools needed to prevent conflict, manage tensions, and build inclusive peace across Nigeria and the wider region.
Signed
Lara Raji
Head of Programmes and Operations
CORN West Africa
About Conflict Research Network West Africa
Conflict Research Network West Africa is a regional think tank that connects researchers, practitioners, and institutions working on peace, conflict, and security across the region. Through collaborative research, data sharing, and advocacy, the network promotes evidence based policies and initiatives that strengthen peace, justice, and community resilience.
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