NDA, SPSP Collaborate to Foster Peace Studies
By Hussaina Yakubu
June 10, 2024
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is set to partner with the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) to enhance the study and practice of peace to better manage Nigeria’s security.
John Ochai, Commandant of the NDA, stated this during a courtesy visit by the SPSP delegation led by its president, Nathaniel Awuapila.
The visit was in preparation for the 2024 International Conference of the SPSP, scheduled to be held from July 1-5, 2024.
The 18th edition of the conference, themed “Community Engagement: Networking Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Capabilities for Tackling Insecurity in Africa,” will be hosted by the NDA.
General Martin Luther Agwai will chair the conference, and Professor Freedom Onuoha from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, will deliver the keynote address.
Ochai highlighted that the NDA, as a research university offering numerous courses in peace studies, has significantly contributed to national and international security.
He emphasized the importance of intellectual engagement in enhancing Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts and integrating societal perspectives into government policy.
Nathaniel Awuapila, President of the SPSP, described the upcoming conference as a crucial event for addressing the security challenges in Africa.
He noted that the theme focuses on examining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to managing insecurity on the continent.
Awuapila expressed appreciation for the NDA’s strategic partnership and its offer to host the conference.
He noted that the event would provide a platform for peace scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in robust discussions.
The conference will feature scholarly presentations and sessions for policymakers to analyze priority security issues.
He also said ,the plenary sessions will address various aspects of managing insecurity in Africa, with participation from over 100 experts from Africa, the US, Canada, the UK, and Nigeria.
He explains that, during the conference, the NDA Commandant and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani will be formally inducted as fellows of SPSP(NAN)