In a determined bid to curb violence and foster lasting peace, Search for Common Ground has launched a three-day training workshop for Niger Delta youth leaders.
The capacity-building initiative, held concurrently in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states, equips emerging leaders with vital skills in conflict transformation and non-adversarial engagement.
Through this hands-on workshop, participants learn to defuse tensions and address disputes before they escalate into violence. The program, titled “Training of Trainers for Capacity Strengthening of Youths on Conflict Transformation and Non-Adversarial Engagement,” focuses on a community center approach that empowers local leaders to become catalysts for peace.
Cyril Bieh, Lead Consultant for Capacity Building at Search for Common Ground, explained that the training is designed to help youth recognize the difference between a manageable conflict and violence. “We are teaching them to identify conflicts early and use dialogue and collaboration to resolve issues amicably,” Bieh said at a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
Bieh stressed that the workshop’s ultimate goal is to create a ripple effect throughout the region. “When these youths return to their communities, they will be able to share their skills and mentor others, thus preventing conflicts from spiraling into violence,” he added.
The training not only addresses community disputes but also emphasizes the importance of managing personal disagreements, ensuring that the lessons learned have a broad and lasting impact. Support Consultant Kefas Shutty reinforced this vision, noting that about 30 youth leaders from various local government areas in Rivers State are currently honing their conflict resolution abilities.
“Our participants are learning how to recognize potential flashpoints and deploy non-adversarial strategies to turn conflicts into opportunities for constructive dialogue,” Shutty said. This proactive approach is expected to significantly reduce instances of violence by empowering young leaders to act as first responders in conflict situations. Beneficiaries of the program are optimistic about its potential.
Rose Abali, Vice Woman Leader in Ahoada East Local Government Area, expressed confidence that the training would foster a culture of peace. “We now know how to bring people together and manage conflicts without resorting to violence,” she remarked.
Similarly, Sydney Iyoyo from the Kala-Ama Community in Port Harcourt highlighted that the workshop has opened his eyes to innovative ways of turning disputes into opportunities for growth and collaboration. This initiative by Search for Common Ground marks a crucial step in nurturing a more peaceful Niger Delta.
By empowering youth with effective conflict management techniques, the program promises to create safer, more resilient communities across the region.
