Locations
Representatives of the the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, National Defence College and the United National Development programmes in Nigeria at the launch of the project, "Strengthening National and Regional Capacities for Peace Support Operations (PSOs)”
Abuja, 17 August 2020 – The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, National Defence College (CSRS/NDC) today launched a new phase of their cooperation in support of peace operations in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch, The Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral MM Kadiri, stated: “The funding support from the Government of Japan for the project will help in consolidating Nigeria’s effort at building peace through peace support operations globally”. He added that this phase of the collaboration is taking place during a delicate period in global history and despite the scourge of the Corona virus pandemic, conflicts have abated, thus there is the need for greater and more dynamic capacity building of peacekeepers to manage these conflicts.
The Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral MM Kadiri presenting his speech at the event.
The project titled “Strengthening National and Regional Capacities for Peace Support Operations (PSOs)” is funded by the of the Government of Japan (GoJ) and will focus on enhancing the capacity of CSRS/NDC to sponsor peace support operations courses on protection of civilians, gender in peace support operations and logistics support in peace support operations as well as, boost its contribution of qualified troops to regional and global peace missions.
Speaking on behalf of the Honorable Minister of State, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clem Ikenade Agba, Ms. Elizabeth Egharevba, Director, International Cooperation said: “This laudable initiative could not have come at any other time than now, when Nigeria and other West African Countries are facing different security challenges.The Ministry as the coordinating agency will continue to ensure the implementation of projects and programmes that will impact positively on the socio-economic development of our country.”
Ms. Elizabeth Egharevba, Director, International Cooperation
The acting UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Lealem Berhanu Dinku, emphasized that that Africa, Nigeria included cannot attain sustainable development and the 2030 agenda without peace and stability. “The strategic partnership between UNDP and Government of Japan and CSRS/NDC through provision of training and strengthening of capacities will be significant in the achievement of SDG 16 and the entire spectrum of peace operations - from conflict prevention, to conflict management and post-conflict peace building and recovery.” he said.
The acting UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Lealem Berhanu Dinku
Mr. Dinku also expressed appreciation for the longstanding support that the Government of Japan has been providing to UNDP programme initiatives in Nigeria, particularly the early recovery and livelihoods projects in the North-East, assistance to peace support operations and recently the support to UN COVID-19 response in Nigeria.
Notes for the editor:
Since 2009, UNDP has been supporting peace operations in Nigeria through funding assistance from the Government of Japan. The assistance was first extended to the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, National Defence College – CSRS/NDC and later to Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre (currently named Marthin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre - MLAILPKC), Kaduna.
For more information and media enquiries contact:
Rejoice Emmanuel – Communications Associate, UNDP Nigeria | +234 809 494 4102 | rejoice.emmanuel@undp.org
Ifeoma Nwosu – Programme Associate, UNDP Nigeria | +234 806 537 8760 | ifeoma.nwosu@undp.org
