Joseph Ochogwu, Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has highlighted severe threats to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and sustainable development.
Addressing the gender and human security conference in Abuja, Ochogwu pinpointed escalating insecurity, unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, climate change, marginalisation, and gender inequality as critical challenges undermining national stability.
In his address, Ochogwu underscored the disproportionate impact on women and girls, who face systemic oppression, harassment, and gender-based violence.
He commended Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for her relentless efforts in promoting gender equality and enhancing women’s roles in national security and socio-economic progress.
Ochogwu also highlighted the IPCR’s ongoing efforts to address gender disparities and human security through diverse peacebuilding initiatives. He stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat gender inequality, citing its contribution to discrimination, violence, and socio-economic disempowerment.
Noting the alarming statistics, Ochogwu criticised the significant gender imbalance in legislative representation, which hinders women’s contributions to governance and peacebuilding.
Despite efforts such as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, launched in 2021 with support from the IPCR, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and UN-Women, gender inequality remains a pressing concern.
Ochogwu called for intensified action to address these issues and reinforce the commitment of national and international stakeholders to ensure equitable progress and stability in Nigeria.
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