As part of its efforts to foster peaceful environments for sustainable development, the Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC), Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos in conjunction with Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Lagos Branch held a one-day training workshop to equip participants with tools for resolving conflicts at personal, communal, and societal levels. The event which brought together experts in conflict resolution, lay leaders and members of societies in the Church which had as its theme, “Resolving conflicts through mediation”, hosted by Isolo Deanery was held recently at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Bucknor, Ejigbo, Lagos.
Mrs. Juliana Ihejirika, Consultant-Strategy, JDPC, Lagos Archdiocese, defined sustainable peace as a long-term and resilient state of peace that addresses the root causes of conflict and maintained through inclusiveness, social justice, economic equity, and rule of law. Citing the analogy of building a puzzle, Ihejirika said that sustainable peace requires specific materials or pillars which are essential for achieving positive peace. According to her, “Achieving sustainable peace requires key elements referred to as pillars, which are essential for building positive peace and preventing a return to conflict.”
Also speaking on the occasion. Barr. Omotsyo Awomolo-Enujiugha, Vice President, Marketing and Strategies, ICMC, highlighted the importance of peace, the role of peace builders, and how to promote peace through effective systems and conflict resolution mechanisms. She emphasised the importance of communication in negotiation, adding that a polite request is more effective than a demanding approach. According to her, negotiation involves reaching an understanding and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
In his presentation, Mr. Chidy Martins, past Director of training, ICMC, said to resolve conflicts, the mediator needs to understand the situation and parties involved and prepare thoroughly for negotiation. He urged them to use effective communication skills, choose appropriate strategies, manage emotions with empathy and active listening, document agreements and close properly. According to him, this approach promotes durable solutions that satisfy both parties, because it fosters cooperation, trust, and respect which are key ingredients for effective negotiation.
