PIND Trains Stakeholders on Conflict Sensitivity, Dispute Resolution in Niger Delta
As part of efforts targeted at addressing underlying conflict drivers, neutralizing potential triggers of violence, and promoting peaceful resolution of crises, a non-governmental organization, Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, engaged stakeholders to discuss challenges to peace and security in the State.
The meeting had in attendance critical stakeholders under the Niger Delta Peace and Security Network (NDPSN), which comprises peace actors from the security agencies, religious organizations, and civil society organizations, among others. PIND’s NDPSN facilitator in Ondo State, Stella Ikeokwu, told participants the meeting’s goal was to ensure a reduction in conflict in the Niger Delta area.
Mrs. Ikeokwu also expressed optimism that the meeting will provide the needed platform for the network of stakeholders to develop a coordinated work plan that will help to achieve peace and security in the Niger Delta.
She also used the opportunity to engage them in robust discussions on conflict sensitivity and alternative dispute resolution, which she explained were better and more cost-effective approaches to conflict resolution.
Also speaking at the meeting, High Chief Pius Akomolafe, the National Coordinator of the Partners for Peace (P4P) Network, said the meeting’s essence was to enlighten key stakeholders on how to mainstream conflict sensitivity and adopt Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in day-to-day activities at individual and institutional levels.
According to him, engagement will go a long way in helping people refrain from conflict and ultimately birth a multiplier effect on the larger society.
The representative of the Nigeria Police Force, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, ACP J. Agwoye, the Head of Peace and Conflict Unit NSCDC, Assistant Commandant of Corp Yusuf Odunayo, the Deputy Superintendent of the Immigration, Mrs. Jeyfous Yetunde, the DDRU from Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Chairperson, Coalition of CSOs in Ondo State, Mr. Franklin Oloniju among others took turns to present updates on their organizational activities geared towards peace initiative and security in the state.
Other groups represented at the event include the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State Chapter, the Chairperson of the Women Wing of CAN (WOWICAN), the Federation of Muslim Women Association’s Media Ambassador, and members of the Organized Private Sector.
One of the event’s major highlights was a training session on mainstreaming conflict sensitivity and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). These topics kept the participants glued to their seats and provided a platform for them to analyze what was obtainable in their various establishments.
The event also allowed participants to draw up work plans for their organizations, including taking action to set up the “Safe School Initiative,” stepping down the learning on ADR, and having media engagements, among other things.
Ultimately, NDPSN state actors are expected to work towards preventing conflict as a first step and, where that fails, adopt the ADR model to ensure peaceful coexistence among residents, which directly translates to economic development.
