FUNAAB turns Ogun RTEAN drivers, conductors into peace ambassadors

The Institute of Communication and General Studies, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, has trained members of the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, on peace and conflict resolution as part of efforts to promote community development and safer transport operations.

The short course, held at the Institute’s Board Room, gave RTEAN members practical skills in conflict management, peacebuilding, and preventive security strategies.

Representing  the Vice Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, Director of Academic Planning Professor Biodun Badmus called the programme a “timely intervention” to foster dialogue, strengthens social cohesion, and support national development. He said ICGNS was established to drive stakeholder engagement and collaborative solutions to societal challenges.

Professor Badmus acknowledged RTEAN’s critical role in daily life, noting that the association’s activities impact citizens through responsible public engagement and collaboration.

In her welcome remarks, ICGNS Director Professor Remi Aduradola, represented by Dr Temitope Olaifa, praised RTEAN members for their commitment. She said many of Nigeria’s security challenges could be reduced through better human relations, communication, and proactive conflict management.

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“Many disputes start small but escalate without proper resolution mechanisms,” Dr Olaifa said. “This training exposes participants to modern conflict management approaches and how to address root causes early,” he said.

 RTEAN Ogun State Secretary, Mr Olajumoke Akingbade described conflict as natural in every society. Peace, he said, is not just the absence of conflict; disagreements can coexist with peace if managed constructively. 

 Transport workers, he noted, regularly face disputes among drivers, conductors, passengers, and union members. Effective conflict management is vital for order and passenger safety. “Peace requires continuous effort, like servicing a vehicle to prevent breakdowns,” he said.

 Mrs Oluwadamilola Oduyemi explained that conflicts move through stages, from misunderstandings and poor communication to hostility and confrontation. Timely intervention by mediators, government officials, and security agencies can restore calm and enable lasting reconciliation.

 Dr Emmanuel Ademola stressed that peace and conflict cut across families, organisations, communities, and nations. While conflicts are inevitable, sustainable peace comes from effective management.

Understanding both concepts, he said, is key to stability, cooperation, and development.