In a significant move towards fostering peace and stability in the Niger Delta, a transformative Training of Trainers (ToT) session was recently conducted in Rivers State.
Funded by the European Union and organized by Search for Common Ground, the workshop focused on empowering community leaders, including paramount rulers, chiefs, and women leaders, with the tools to build inclusive and peaceful communities.
This initiative marks a shift from previous efforts that primarily targeted youth. Recognizing the pivotal role of traditional leadership in shaping community dynamics, the program aimed to equip these gatekeepers of peace and custodians of tradition with the knowledge and skills to navigate conflict effectively.
Leading the training, Cyril Bieh, the programme’s lead consultant, emphasized the strategic importance of this shift. “The idea behind this training is to ensure the Niger Delta becomes more peaceful,” he stated.
“These are the custodians of the communities, so we brought them to understand that whatever happens in their communities is also their responsibility as key stakeholders.”
The three-day intensive training delved into crucial themes including leadership identity, inclusive governance, and conflict resolution strategies. Participants were introduced to the Common Ground Approach, a model emphasizing collaboration and win-win outcomes over adversarial confrontations.
“The essence of this training is letting them know there are approaches to transform conflicts, and collaboration is key,” Bieh added.
“We believe that after this training, they’ll return to their communities equipped to bring meaningful change and contribute to long-term peacebuilding in the region.”
The participants welcomed the training with enthusiasm and a sense of renewed purpose.
His Highness Uboon Jonas Gogu Minini-Oyo, Opalama of Ikuru Town in Andoni LGA, praised the initiative as a timely intervention. “This is the best session we’ve had, giving us insight on how to lead as traditional rulers. In a community without peace, nothing will thrive. We must collaborate with our subjects, lead transparently, and be inclusive. When there’s peace, investment comes, employment comes, and the community thrives.”
Chief Mrs. Mercy Mpia, representing women leaders from Alesa Eleme LGA, highlighted the gender impact of the training. “I’m very happy with the training. I’ve learnt a lot and I’m sure to implement it in my community to ensure effective leadership and peaceful collaboration.”
Austin Ahiamadu, former Executive Chairman of ONELGA, emphasized inclusivity and the importance of finding common ground in resolving conflict. “The most important takeaway is the idea of a common ground, conflicts need win-win resolutions. We must prioritize the ‘we’ instead of ‘I’ if we want peace. The system is broken because of selfishness. True change starts with collaboration.”
He also commended the organizers, stating, “I’m impressed with what Search is doing. Rivers is the hub of oil and gas, and I’m grateful to have learnt new ways of addressing conflicts, I’ll definitely apply them in my community.”
As the Niger Delta navigates complex social and economic challenges, initiatives like this offer a beacon of hope. By equipping traditional leaders with transformative tools and fostering a culture of inclusivity and peace, the project aims to pave the way for a more prosperous and stable future for the region.
With the custodians of culture now equipped with the knowledge to address conflict constructively, stakeholders are hopeful that lasting peace and communal progress are within reach.
