PIND trains, inducts new members in Cross River

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has welcomed new stakeholders in Cross River to enhance the community peacebuilding frameworks.

The Prevent Council consists of prominent traditional rulers from communities identified as hotspots of communal land and boundary disputes in the Niger Delta. It also includes representatives of the relevant security agencies, representatives of the State Boundary Commission, and other key stakeholders.

During the Prevent Council capacity building meeting in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, Thursday, PIND representative Dr Chukwudi Njoku emphasized that the role of traditional rulers as the custodian of culture which peace is an integral component cannot be overemphasised.

“Traditional rulers play a vital role in peacebuilding at the grassroots level as part of the cultural heritage of the people. Although modern private and public entities recognize the role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and security, the challenge has been in the process of engagement.

“However, appropriate engagement between government and traditional rulers outlaying responsibilities among the two based on an understanding that synergy is indispensable for both to administrate effectively.

Njoku mentioned that since PIND set up and launched the PREVENT Councils in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta in 2022, the members have been acting as positive influencers and mediators for conflicts in their states and communities. They have focused on issues related to communal land and boundary disputes, achieving some notable successes.

In his presentation, “Conflict Trends and Dynamics in the Niger Delta,” Prof. Raphael Offiong, a consultant for PIND Prevent Council, highlighted that the primary objective of the Prevent Council is to foster and maintain social harmony and peaceful coexistence in society, ensuring inclusivity for all individuals.

He stressed that achieving lasting peace requires collaborative efforts with traditional institutions, which play vital roles as positive influences and conflict mediators within their regions and communities.

Chairman of Cross River Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty Solomon Osim Edward commended PIND for enhancing the skills of traditional leaders in the state to align with global best practices in conflict management. He also expressed gratitude to the Foundation for its efforts in peacebuilding.

The highlight of the event was the Chairman of the Cross River Traditional Rulers Council inducting new members and presenting them with certificates.

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