The Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) has successfully concluded the Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course (CPOC) 37 of 2024, with a call to action for participants to apply their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in their respective services, MDAs, and organizations.
“The true test of your mettle lies not in the certificates you hold, but in the positive impact you make in the lives of others,” Maj Gen AT Adedoja, Commandant of MLAILPKC, told the participants during the graduation ceremony.
“Hold dear the principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality, and strive to make a difference in your respective services, MDAs, and organizations.”
The ceremony, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, marked a milestone in the journey to ensure the protection of civilians in conflict zones across the globe.
Gen Adedoja commended the participants for their hard work, discipline, and commitment throughout the two-week training, saying, “Your dedication to learning is truly heartwarming, and I am confident that you will apply the knowledge acquired during this course to make a positive impact.”
Special Guest of Honour, Maj Gen OT Ethan (Rtd),emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in protecting civilians, quoting Romeo Dallaire, “To prevent genocide, we must become the voice for those who have none.” He urged the participants to impact the knowledge gained from the course in their various formations, units, and organizations and to be good ambassadors of the Centre. “You are the frontline defenders who will shield civilians from the ravages of conflict, prioritize their safety, security, and champion the promotion of human rights and dignity in the most challenging of environments,” he said.
The Japanese Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) were appreciated for their enormous commitment towards the successful hosting of the course. The Government of Japan, through the UNDP, sponsored the course, which aimed to develop human capacity to handle challenges in protecting civilians in conflict zones.
“As you graduate today, be reminded that you are the vanguard of human rights protection,” Gen Ethan said. “You are the ones who will uphold the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and dignity, even in the face of adversity.”
The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi represented by Hiromi Otsuki who is the Deputy Head of Mission, commended the participants for their dedication and hard work in completing the course, saying, “Japan remains committed to peace and stability in Africa through human resource development, border control support, and assistance for building judicial and administrative systems.”
Veronica Reuter, Director of the International Development and Organization, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, UNDP, and MLAILPKC for organizing the course, which she described as transformative and comprehensive. “The facilitators have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise, and the participants have shown commitment to protecting civilians,” she said.
“We eagerly anticipate applying what we have learned and contributing to ongoing efforts in civilian protection.”
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The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates to the participants, who were declared certified Comprehensive Protection of Civilians experts.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (NAM), and the DG NARC, who welcomed the participants and appreciated their efforts in completing the course.
The Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course 37 of 2024 has empowered participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact in protecting civilians in conflict zones. As they graduate and return to their respective destinations, they are reminded of their collective responsibility to prioritize the safety, security, and dignity of civilians and to uphold the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and dignity, even in the face of adversity.
