Bingham University, through the Ambassador Bulus Lolo Centre for Diplomacy, Peace, Conflict and Plural Studies (ABLC), hosted its first Train-the-Trainers Workshop with the kind sponsorship of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). The two-day event brought together resource persons, facilitators, and participants committed to strengthening peacebuilding, diplomacy, and conflict management skills across Nigeria and beyond.

The Resident Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Dr. Tobias Ruettershoff, represented by the Programme Manager, Mr. Samson Adeniran, highlighted the foundation’s steadfast commitment to promoting democracy, good governance, the rule of law, and sustainable development across the world. Named after Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, the foundation upholds his enduring legacy of political freedom, social justice, and responsible leadership. With offices in over 120 countries, KAS serves as a vital bridge between Germany and the international community in fostering dialogue, civic education, and global cooperation. In Nigeria, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) remains a vital partner in promoting good governance, civic participation, and leadership development. Through collaborations with government, civil society, and the media, KAS advances transparency, accountability, and inclusive politics while empowering emerging leaders through workshops and policy dialogues.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba, expressed deep appreciation to KAS for their continued partnership and unwavering support. He emphasized that the collaboration underscores a shared vision of promoting peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development through knowledge exchange and capacity building. Prof Ayuba also paid tribute to His Excellency, Ambassador Bulus Lolo, for his remarkable diplomatic service and contributions to international peace and mediation. Highlighting the relevance of the workshop, He noted that the world today faces increasing tension and violent conflict, and that training in conflict analysis, negotiation, and mediation is critical in fostering understanding and sustainable peace. The establishment of the ABLC, as the University’s second university-wide academic centre, reflects Bingham’s commitment to tackling global challenges and nurturing ethically grounded professionals who will lead in diplomacy and peacebuilding.

“Let this workshop empower you to become catalysts for positive change and champions of peace,” Professor Ayuba urged.

The Director of the Ambassador Lolo Centre for Plural, Conflict, and Peace Studies, Dr. John Magbadelo, expressed deep appreciation to the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for supporting the Train-the-Trainers Workshop and acknowledged the Vice Chancellor, Prof Ayuba for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to peacebuilding and academic excellence. 

Dr. Magbadelo reaffirmed ABLC’s dedication to advancing peace and good governance in Nigeria and across Africa through collaboration with KAS and other partners. He noted that the workshop aims to equip participants with practical skills in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and pluralism, while building a strong network of resource persons to drive sustainable peace through teaching, research, and policy engagement. 

His Excellency, Ambassador Bulus Lolo, in his presentation titled “Optimizing Preventive Diplomacy for the Consolidation of Peace and Stability in Africa: Prospects and Challenges,” emphasized that preventive diplomacy remains Africa’s strongest safeguard against recurring conflict and poor governance. Describing it as “an inoculation that stops something from happening,” he explained that diplomacy should manage tensions before they escalate into violence. Citing examples from across the continent and within Nigeria, he linked many crises—such as those in Benue, Southern Kaduna, and Plateau States—to weak institutions and delayed interventions.

Ambassador Lolo identified leadership failure as the root cause of Nigeria’s challenges, stating that true leadership must be earned through character and integrity, not titles. He stressed that preventive diplomacy can build trust, foster cooperation, and preserve peace by addressing root causes early, quoting Kofi Annan’s view that early engagement increases the likelihood of sustainable peace. He further highlighted the interdependence between good governance, peace, and development, noting that when leadership fails, institutions weaken and insecurity deepens.

Reflecting on his UN experience during the 2011 Libya crisis, he cautioned against hasty international interventions and urged policymakers to act with foresight. In conclusion, Ambassador Lolo encouraged participants to apply their knowledge in promoting peace within their communities, thanking the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) for their continuous support in advancing peacebuilding and leadership development across Nigeria and Africa.

Ambassador Segun Ogunyanwo, in his presentation on “Contemporary Issues in Conflict and Peace Studies in Africa,” emphasized that Africa’s peace challenge goes beyond the absence of conflict to the presence of justice, equity, and shared moral commitment. He described peace as both a science and a matter of the heart, urging scholars and practitioners to bridge theory with real community engagement. According to him, the persistent crises across the continent reflect structural injustice, weak governance, and identity struggles issues that demand inclusive dialogue, ethical leadership, and the practical application of peace education.

He highlighted that peace studies have evolved into a multi-disciplinary field that draws from sociology, psychology, and indigenous wisdom, calling on scholars to focus not only on what causes war but on what sustains peace. Ambassador Ogunyanwo stressed that educators and peacebuilders must engage students through clarity, conviction, and compassion, noting that “conviction follows preparation.” He also urged leaders to see leadership as service, not privilege, and to empower citizens by promoting accountability, fairness, and trust in governance.

He shared three guiding principles for peacebuilders: be remembered for good, be predictably dependable, and be scalable in commitment. 

The workshop also featured other insightful presentations, including “How to Conduct Virtual Training and Use Electronic Slides” by Dr. Ayo Apeh from the University of Abuja; “Strategies for Conflict Resolution in Africa: Problems and Prospects” by Dr. Augustine Babatunde, Head of External Conflict Prevention and Resolution at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR); and “Critical Thinking Skills: An Essential Factor for Impactful Research Mapping in Plural Societies” by Prof. Joses Gani Yoroms of the National Defence College, Abuja, among others.

....................................................................................

Directorate of Public Affairs 

Office of the Vice-Chancellor 

Bingham University Karu