The International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) Alumni convened a historic “IVLP Alumni Connect” event at the Headquarters of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Abuja.

The event, co-hosted by Global Peace Foundation and Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, had in attendance IVLP Alumni members, scholars, experts, and dignitaries from various walks of life.

The IVLP Connect with the theme “Love as a Foundation for Peace and Security”, aimed to reconnect its members and provide a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and exploring how best to contribute to the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria. This aligns with the overall goal of the IVLP Initiative, which is the US Department of State’s professional exchange programme designed to promote mutual understanding and foster development worldwide.

During the event, the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, discussed the crucial role of love in fostering healing against resentment, mutual understanding against intolerance, peaceful coexistence against division and hatred, and sustainable development against underdevelopment. According to him, “Love is a catalyst for peace, stability, security and national progress. Without love, achieving a stable and secure society will be a mirage”.

He urged the IVLP Alumni members and other personalities to use their experiences, knowledge and strategies to address the numerous challenges facing the Nigerian state, including the heightened levels of intolerance among people of different cultural and enthno-religious divides. This, he emphasized, is essential for socio-economic development and global peace.