In a bid to foster trust between youth and government security actors, The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives In the Niger Delta, (PIND), recently concluded a one-week social cohesion activity in Bayelsa State, bringing together over 400 youths, community leaders, and security personnel from eight local government areas.
Part of the broader “Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta” project, the activity served as a platform for open dialogue and collaboration among these often-disconnected groups. Through interactive sessions and trust-building exercises, participants voiced concerns, shared perspectives, and explored strategies to strengthen relationships and promote peaceful coexistence within their communities.
The week-long social cohesion activity, which took place from 16th – 20th September 2024 across all eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bayelsa State—Brass, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Nembe, Ogbia, Sagbama, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa, the event fostered a sense of hope for a more secure and cohesive future. Activities designed to break down barriers and promote mutual respect allowed participants to openly address long-standing issues such as resource-based conflicts and ethnic hostilities that have contributed to regional instability.
A key shift in approach emerged during the event, as young people are often seen as either perpetrators or victims of violence, were given the opportunity to engage directly with security agencies, fostering understanding and collaboration. Security officials, in turn, gained deeper insights into the concerns and aspirations of the youth, reshaping how they engage with the community.
By promoting inclusive participation and enhancing collaboration between communities and security forces, the initiative strengthened early warning and response mechanisms aimed at preventing future conflicts. Supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented by consortium partners including Search for Common Ground (SFCG), Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN), Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPW), and the Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND), the project aims to foster inclusive community security approaches to address the systemic drivers of violence and criminality in the Niger Delta.
This initiative also highlighted the power of grassroots involvement and community ownership in peacebuilding. Local stakeholders were not only equipped with tools to advocate for peaceful resolutions but were also motivated to actively participate in early warning systems necessary to prevent future conflicts.
By facilitating these crucial conversations and bridging divides, PIND’s social cohesion building initiative emphasized the importance of trust, collaboration, and cooperation in addressing the region’s security challenges. As the organization continues its efforts to promote sustainable peace across the Niger Delta, the success of this engagement in Bayelsa stands as a testament to the transformative potential of dialogue and community-driven action in conflict-prone areas.
