NDPSN ENGAGES CRITICAL STAKEHOLDERS IN EVALUATING THE CURRENT CHALLENGES AND PREFERS SOLUTIONS IN A TOWN HALL MEETING IN YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE
The Central Working Committee (CWC) member of Partners For Peace (P4P) in the Niger Delta, Mrs. Nancy Wodu, the anchor person of the Niger Delta Peace and Security Network (NDPSN) in her welcome remark highlights the situation of the Niger Delta Region.
Stating that the Niger Delta region, due to its large population and rich natural resources, holds a pivotal position in the economy of the region and Nigeria. However, the area is grappling with significant challenges like environmental degradation, and security issues, including violence, conflicts, and the ongoing nationwide protest. To tackle these challenges effectively, there is a need for collaboration and the establishment of a functional peacebuilding and security framework involving the government, NGOs, the informal security sector, civil societies, media, religious and traditional institutions, business groups, and the private sector.
The Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND) has been actively involved in building capacities and mobilizing stakeholders to address the violence in the Niger Delta region.
PIND is a non-profit organization committed to creating innovative multi-stakeholder partnerships to foster peace and drive economic growth in the Niger Delta. PIND functions through four interconnected program areas and enablers: Capacity building, Advocacy, Peace Building (IPDU, P4P, Warri MSP), and Economic Development (MSD, Renewable Energy, YEP).
BACKGROUND
The Niger Delta Peace and Security Network (NDPSN) is a coalition that is dedicated to ensuring peace and enhancing coordination among individuals and organizations in the Niger Delta region, operating across the nine Niger Delta States: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
The NDPSN’s third-quarter meeting aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange and enhancing peacebuilding capacities for the informal sector. The objective was to educate attendees about conflict trends and dynamics in their communities.
PARTICIPANT UPDATES
The meeting saw the participation of 25 individuals from the formal and informal sectors, including NURTWN, TOAN, market women, NGOs, youth organizations, civil defense, Bayelsa State Vigilante, and traditional rulers/chiefs.
Mr. Philip Godfrey, the founder of Youths and Environment, expressed his gratitude for PIND’s peacebuilding efforts and encouraged all participants to collaborate with PIND. He also raised concerns about the prevalence of internet fraud (yahoo yahoo boys), cultism in schools, and rising drug abuse among children.
Mrs. Tare Tina from the “End Violence Against Women Initiative” shared her experiences with internet fraud and urged the government to address the issue promptly.
Mr. Dressman Dinipere from “Family Lives Initiative” emphasized the need for parents and the government to take responsibility for their children’s actions and upbringing.
Rev. Dr. Monday, the chairman of “Family Lives Initiative,” attributed societal violence to family structure and values, leading to a discussion on the root causes of violence, with Mr. Philip Godfrey highlighting poverty as a significant factor. Comrade Prince also expressed concerns about the desperation of women and girls.
