The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC has organized a 3-Day Alternative Dispute Resolution program for Stakeholders in the region.
Speaking at the program which held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday 16-09-25, the NDDC managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku reiterated the need to utilize dialogue and peaceful conversation in resolving matters of marginalization, resource control and other developmental issues.
Dr. Ogbuku who was represented by Rev. Julius Oworibo stated that there are different ways of resolving issues and eye for an eye approach will not result in a peaceful society.
“We can resolve issues from one table, that way when issues come up,we can discuss the things that must be done to ensure that the world is at peace.”
“Here in the Niger Delta, we want to ensure that we live peaceably with each other. The things we are looking for, roads, water, bridges, jetties can only come if we live at peace with each other.”
The Acting Director, Department of Dispute and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Godwin Ogedegbe said that the need to harness the power of Alternative Dispute Resolution as a critical instrument to sustain peace, unlock development and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda across the Niger Delta and beyond necessitated the program.
He noted that the theme ” Fostering lasting peace through ADR: Lessons from the past, Building Future opportunities to Advance the Renewed Hope Agenda” is a call to reflect on the pathway towards leveraging ADR to translate policies into tangible, peaceful and prosperous outcomes.
“The theme calls us to reflect deeply on what has worked, what must be reinforced and how we can leverage ADR to translate policy intentions into tangible, peaceful and prosperous outcomes for communities that have borne the brunt of conflict for far too long.”
The President of Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Mr. Jonathan Lokpobiri appreciated the NDDC for organizing the program noting that using force can never bring peace. He stated that people need to learn how to negotiate without using violence.
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“Violent means has always been a lot more destructive and most of the time, leaves life long impacts that are negative. This is coming timely and for us who are at the forefront of fighting for peace and development of the Niger Delta, we will embrace this as a method alternative to what Nigeria is known for in terms of using the military against people who are genuinely demanding for what is right.”
The Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Senate President, Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini said that the various agencies and ministries involved with the development of Niger Delta should build synergy on the approach to utilize to ensure an even development of the region.
Chief Ominimini while noting that ADR is saving cost, called on political office holders to adopt the approach of the current Management of NDDC which allows communities and people to access their leaders to discuss their needs without the need to resort to violence.
