The Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ) has commended the German Embassy in Nigeria, the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC) and the Kaduna State Multi-Door Courthouse (KDMDC) for organising a two-day intermediate training programme on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for more than 60 stakeholders across Kaduna State.
The Team Leader of the Network of Peace Journalists, Ambassador Ibrahima Yakubu gave the commendation in a statement following the successful completion of the two-day training.
He described the programme as an important initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders to prevent conflicts, mediate disputes and promote peaceful coexistence within their communities.
According to him, the training brought together more than 60 participants from the judiciary, legal profession, civil society organisations and academia, as well as women and faith leaders from the three senatorial zones of Kaduna State.
Participants included representatives of the Public Complaints Commission, International Human Rights Commission, Interfaith Mediation Centre, judges, lawyers, lecturers, women leaders and religious leaders, among others.
Ambassador Yakubu said the training exposed participants to practical approaches to understanding conflict dynamics, conflict analysis, personality types and various mechanisms of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
He noted that the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme would enable participants to intervene more effectively in community disputes and prevent minor disagreements from developing into violent conflicts or lengthy court cases.
He further explained that participants were encouraged to establish what he described as “mediation tents” within their communities and workplaces, where disputes could be addressed through dialogue and mediation before escalating to litigation.
The NPJ Team Leader praised the German Embassy, IMC and KDMDC for successfully implementing the programme and bringing together stakeholders from across Kaduna State.
He said the initiative demonstrated the importance of strengthening community-based mechanisms for conflict prevention and peaceful dispute resolution, particularly at a time when communities require greater access to dialogue and mediation.
Ambassador Yakubu also commended the German Embassy and the Interfaith Mediation Centre for their continued support for peacebuilding initiatives, particularly programmes promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding, human rights and freedom of religious belief.
He stressed that investing in mediation, dialogue and inclusive peacebuilding would help build stronger communities and contribute to sustainable peace and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.
