The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), in collaboration with Search for Common Ground and Stakeholder Democracy Network, has successfully concluded the first phase of its peacebuilding project titled A Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta.
Funded by the European Union, the 18-month initiative spanned 66 communities across Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States, demonstrating the power of community-led approaches in building sustainable peace and reducing violence in the region.
Locally Driven Solutions for Sustainable Stability
Leveraging PIND’s Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) system, the project empowered local stakeholders to act as first responders to emerging conflicts. Through SMS-based reporting platforms and real-time local responses, communities transitioned from reactive to proactive peacebuilding, identifying and addressing conflict drivers before they escalated.
Structured dialogues, early warning training, and inclusive peacebuilding sessions equipped communities to own and sustain their conflict prevention efforts.
Key Achievements: Building Stronger, Resilient Communities
- Early Response Mechanisms: 330 trained community peace monitors across the three states flagged and de-escalated incidents involving cult violence, land disputes, oil theft, and political tensions.
- Youth and Leadership Empowerment: Over 382 youths and 367 community leaders in Rivers State were trained in conflict transformation and leadership, enabling youth-led mediation and step-down training in local communities.
- Restoring Social Cohesion: In Bayelsa, more than 385 participants, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, engaged in social events, sports, and storytelling sessions that rebuilt trust, and fostered dialogue.
- Arts and Culture for Peace: More than 1,600 participants participated in music, dance, and drama initiatives in Delta and Bayelsa States, creatively addressing communal grievances, and promoting unity.
- Community-Designed Peace Actions. Fourteen communities independently designed and implemented peace initiatives, from anti-drug campaigns and youth rehabilitation efforts to security coordination forums.
Broad-Based Collaboration
A key strength of the project was its ability to foster strong partnerships among traditional leaders, local governments, security agencies(Civil Defence, NDLEA, Police, NYSC), and community members. In places like Utegele and Omadino communities in Delta State, these partnerships led to the creation of new security structures that remain active beyond the project’s close.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Local Innovations for Regional Peace
Building on the momentum, PIND and its partners are set to expand these peacebuilding efforts across the Niger Delta. Plans include scaling successful initiatives, launching mobile storytelling exhibitions to amplify peace narratives, and deepening engagement with women, girls, and at-risk youth.
By investing in community-driven peacebuilding and strengthening local leadership, PIND is committed to fostering a resilient, inclusive, and stable Niger Delta.
