In a bid to prioritize the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the government of Japan, has trained 96 security personnel from seven West African countries on conflict management.
The Team Lead for Governance, Peace & Security at UNDP Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Alao, shared this figure at the inauguration of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course 2/2024 at the Martin Luther Agwai Leadership and Peacekeeping Center (MLAILPKC) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja.
Alao, who was represented by Project Analyst Oluwatosin Richard of the Governance, Peace and Security Unit, explained that the three key activities planned under the “Enhancing MLAILPKC’s Capacities for Effective Peace Support Operations in West Africa Project” were launched in May of this year. The project has successfully met its goals and fully implemented its activities in the past 10 months.
The primary goal of the project was to promote democracy, national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and the well-being of civilians in armed conflicts.
“Through this project, 96 participants, including 29 women, from seven West African countries gained expertise in the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. They also enhanced their skills in countering violent extremism and improved their leadership and national cohesion capabilities,” Alao stated.
“Fifteen institutions from ECOWAS countries also benefited significantly from this project through capacity-building initiatives,” he added.
Alao emphasized that the leadership and national cohesion course was designed to bridge leadership gaps and foster patriotism, both critical elements in building social cohesion and sustainable global peace.
“It is not just a course; it is a strategic platform for transformative leadership and cross-sectoral collaboration that enhances sustainable development and the achievement of Agenda 2030,” he said.
He called on everyone to reaffirm their collective commitment to building a unified, resilient, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria where all citizens can enjoy and cherish peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.
Alao acknowledged the numerous challenges humanity and countries around the world face today, from economic uncertainties and political divisions to security threats and wars. In such times, he noted, true leaders emerge—leaders who can inspire, unite, build bridges across nations and ethnic groups, and mobilize communities toward common goals.
“This is the essence of the course being launched today, with funding and technical assistance from the Government of Japan and UNDP,” Alao stated.
He quoted global icon Nelson Mandela: “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”
The Japanese Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lt.-Col. Morita Tatsuya, reaffirmed Japan’s long-standing commitment to supporting essential training for African-led peace support operations and capacity-building efforts across the continent. He recognized the pivotal role of African-led Peace Support Operations in maintaining peace and stability in Africa.
Tatsuya noted that the friendship between Japan and Nigeria in the area of defense has grown significantly since 2015, and Japan remains committed to promoting peace and stability in Africa through human resource development in partnership with UN agencies.
Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, Commandant of MLAILPKC, highlighted that the course is a strategic investment in developing effective leaders and promoting peace and stability in Nigeria. He reiterated that effective leadership and national cohesion are essential drivers of progress and prosperity. Their absence, he warned, could lead to stagnation, division, and instability, hindering a nation’s potential.
