FUNAAB Partners with RTEAN to Deliver Strategic Peace and Conflict Resolution Training

The Institute of Communication and General Studies (ICGNS), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has organised a short course on Peace and Conflict Resolution for members of the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Ogun State Chapter, as part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence, community development, and sustainable transport operations.

The training, held today, June 9, 2026, at the Institute's Board Room, brought together members of the transport association for intensive sessions aimed at equipping them with practical knowledge and skills in conflict management, peacebuilding, and preventive security strategies.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Director, Directorate of Academic Planning, Prof. Biodun Badmus, described the programme as a timely intervention designed to foster dialogue, strengthen social cohesion, and contribute to national development. He noted that the Institute was established to promote meaningful engagement among stakeholders and encourage collaborative solutions to societal challenges.

Prof. Badmus further acknowledged the critical role of RTEAN in society, stating that the association's activities have significantly impacted the daily lives of citizens through responsible public engagement and effective collaboration.

In her Welcome Address, the Director of ICGNS, Prof. Remi Aduradola, represented by Dr. Temitope Olaifa, commended RTEAN members for their enthusiasm and commitment to the programme. She observed that many of Nigeria's security challenges and internal conflicts could be mitigated through improved human relations, effective communication, and proactive conflict management.

Dr. Olaifa explained that many disputes begin as minor issues but often escalate due to the absence of appropriate resolution mechanisms. She stressed the importance of identifying and addressing the root causes of conflicts and noted that the training was designed to expose participants to contemporary conflict management approaches and preventive strategies.

Delivering a lecture titled "Concept of Peace and Conflict," the Secretary of RTEAN, Ogun State Chapter, Mr. Olajumoke Akingbade, described conflict as a natural phenomenon in every society and organisation. He noted that peace should not merely be seen as the absence of conflict, explaining that disagreements can coexist with peace when managed constructively.

According to Mr. Akingbade, transport workers frequently encounter disputes involving drivers, conductors, passengers, and union members, making effective conflict management essential for maintaining order and ensuring passenger safety. He added that peace requires continuous effort and commitment, likening it to the regular servicing of vehicles to prevent breakdowns.

Speaking on "Conflict Cycle and Progression," Mrs. Oluwadamilola Oduyemi explained that conflicts evolve through identifiable stages, beginning with misunderstandings and poor communication before escalating into hostility and confrontation. She emphasised that timely intervention by mediators, government officials, and security agencies can help restore calm and facilitate reconciliation and lasting peace.

Also speaking on "Adversarial Conflict Prevention and Management Mechanisms," Dr. Emmanuel Ademola highlighted the interconnected nature of peace and conflict across families, organisations, communities, and nations. He stressed that while conflicts are inevitable, sustainable peace is achieved through effective management, adding that a proper understanding of both concepts is essential for fostering stability, cooperation, and sustainable societal development.