By Galaxy Imanmadu
Neferok Development Initiative (NeDI), on Saturday 29 November, organised a one-day training on peace building and conflict prevention for members of Agbonu Ogulagha-Ibe Peace- Building Committee. The initiative is funded by Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND).
Speaking at the workshop, held at TM Palace Hotel, Effurun, Delta State, the Executive Director of NeDI, Ayo Okotie said, “The training aims to strengthen the capacity of the key community stakeholders’ members in mitigating conflict and promoting a peaceful environment that enables successful implementation of the HCDT. Continuing, she said, “The workshop is a creation of The Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND) to reflect its commitment to a successful implementation of the HCDT and foster socioeconomic development of host communities.”
Executive Director of NeDI, Ayo Okotie (left), watching the presentation of a group work
She added, “The objective of the workshop is to empower community people with the skills and knowledge to function effectively as peace actors to promote a peaceful environment that supports the implementation of the HCDT without any hindrance.” The trainers and expert in peace building, Mr. Samuel Ideh and Pst. Gbenga Agunsoye trained the participants on the strategies of peace- building and conflict management. The trainers diligently educated the participants on the fundamentals of peace- building and conflict prevention strategies, using fitting case studies to illustrate their teaching.
Executive Director of NeDI, Ayo Okotie, supervising a group work
Some of the topics of the training include: causes of conflicts; effects of conflict; roles to be played in resolving conflicts; peace and peace-building; importance of peace building; what is conflict analysis; conflict analysis process; peace- building techniques; prevention of conflict; triggers of conflict; types of peace; strategies for effective cooperation; conflict management strategies – collaborating, accommodating, competing, avoiding, and compromising; leadership; qualities of a good leader; and volunteering.
The training also featured group work to test the trainers’ ability to address conflict situations to forge a peaceful environment that engenders socio-economic growth and communal wellbeing. The session was rounded off with inauguration of a 16-member peace- building committee.