By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Institute of Peace, Security and Development Studies (IPSDS), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka on Thursday, 17th July, 2025 commenced her two-day maiden International Conference.
The maiden International Conference holding at the ASUU NAU Secretariat building, UNIZIK has its theme as, “Peace, Security and Sustainable Development in Africa.”
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Sir Chike Udensi described the theme of the conference as apt providing a platform to brainstorm on salient issues affecting societal growth in the nation and Africa at large. Sir Udensi who was represented by the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh said that for a society that seeks meaningful growth, peace and security is vital in achieving its vision and mission.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, H.E. Prof. Chukwuma Soludo represented by the Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh stated that the conference is timely. The Chief Executive disclosed that the state government plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of her citizens, primarily through maintaining public order and safety by enacting laws, establishing security agencies, and collaborating with federal authorities to address various threats.
Gov. Soludo commended UNIZIK IPSDS for being at the forefront of discussing topical issues on promotion of peace, security and sustainable development for societal growth and development.
Declaring the international conference open, the acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi stated that the creation of the IPSDS is strategic with the aim of providing learning experience in analytical and practical matters facilitated with insights from renowned experts and practitioners with a strong commitment to openness and dialogue.
The Acting VC represented by the Director of GS Unit, Prof. Philomena Igbokwe informed that the conference provides a platform for discuss and credible solutions to challenges that appear invincible but menacing to Nigerian society and Africa.
In his keynote speech, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede represented by Brig. General S.J. Dogo from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army commended UNIZIK IPSDS for taking up the intellectual challenge of finding solutions to peace and security in Africa.
Brig. General Dogo affirmed that the institute should be saddled with the responsibility of producing skilled professionals in conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacebuilding and promoting the values of a democratic and peaceful society. He assured that the military and other security agencies still remains at the forefront of defending the nation from external aggression, maintaining territorial integrity, and assisting civil authorities in maintaining order.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Institute for Peace, Security and Development Studies (IPSDS), Prof. Jaja Nwanegbo described the event as epoch making as it is the first of its kind in UNIZIK were critical stakeholders in peace, security and development matters are converging together to generate discourses and intervention in the consuming seemingly intractable conflict situations and insecurity in Nigeria and Africa.
Prof. Nwanegbo gave a brief insights on the history behind the IPSDS, her programmes and activities. The scholar thanked the resource persons for their willingness to offer their ideas and knowledge to finding solutions to the seemingly intractable problems.
The lead paper presenter, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert of the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, gave a vivid description of the term peace, security and sustainable development. Prof. Albert stressed on the importance of sustainable development which he described as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Prof. Albert while highlighting some of the challenges threatening peace on the globe proffered solutions such as altruistic leadership, knowledge, skills, technology, passion and partnershp which are basic requirements for attaining vision 2063.
The LOC Chairman, Prof. Kelechi Kenneth Osayi in a vote of thanks appreciated all and sundry who made the opening ceremony colourful with their speeches, suggestions and vital contributions.
Other highlights of the opening ceremony was a special roundtable session discussing on Insecurity in the South East zone. The conference will also continue on the second day with break-out and technical sessions.
