The South-East Stakeholders Summit on Peace and Security is set to convene on February 21 and 22, 2025, at Hotel Sunshine in Enugu. This event will focus on pressing issues of human rights violations and insecurity in South-East Nigeria, featuring a public hearing designed to amplify the voices of affected communities.
Among the distinguished speakers at the summit is Prof. Anselm Chidi Odinkalu, who will deliver the keynote address titled “Fostering Lasting Peace and Security: Collaborative Approaches to Address Insecurity and Human Rights Violations in the Southeast.” Prof. Odinkalu’s insights are expected to provide a critical framework for discussions on collaborative strategies to enhance security and protect human rights in the region.
The event will commence with an opening ceremony led by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought Director, Dr Sam Amadi. Notable participants include Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu, the Hon. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Afam Osigwe SAN, Monsignor Prof. Obiora Ike, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu (Rtd.), Maj. Gen. G. U. Chibuisi, and various representatives from civil society organisations, the police, and human rights commissions.
The summit’s agenda is structured to facilitate comprehensive discussions on the state of security, human rights, and civic space in the Southeast. On the first day, after the keynote address, participants will engage in plenary discussions, examining the implications of the issues raised, and exploring actionable solutions.
The second day will feature state-by-state reports that will provide an overview of the security landscape across the Southeast. Following this, a public hearing will allow community representatives and victims of human rights violations to share their testimonies. A panel of experts will assess these accounts, aiming to identify violations, victims, and perpetrators, while recommending measures for redress and accountability.
The South-East region of Nigeria has faced persistent challenges related to insecurity and human rights abuses. This summit will also represent a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration. The forum seeks to address these pressing issues and lay the groundwork for lasting peace and justice.
The summit will adopt a multi-sectoral approach, bringing together representatives from civil society organisations, the police, human rights commissions, faith-based groups, and the legal community. Through plenary discussions, state-by-state reports, and public hearings, the event will identify actionable strategies to enhance security, protect human rights, and foster accountability.
It is important to note that the South East Stakeholders Summit on Peace and Security is not merely an event; it is a call to action for all stakeholders committed to creating a safer and more just society in Southeast Nigeria. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, the summit aims to address the root causes of insecurity and human rights violations.
Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7m7dvJuyA7h5XMc22i
