A renewed call for proactive peacebuilding and early response to conflict has emerged from a high-level peace stakeholders’ summit held in Warri, Delta State.
The two-day summit, themed around coordination and sustainability, was organized by Search for Common Ground with support from the European Union, in collaboration with Sustainable Development Network (SDN) and the Partnership Initiative for Niger Delta (PIND).
Focus on Early Warning and Community Action
Participants drawn from the State Peace Architecture (SPA) in Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta states gathered at the Best Western Wetland Hotel, Warri, where they emphasized the urgent need for community-based strategies to prevent the rising tide of criminality and violence in the oil-rich region.
The summit emphasized the importance of early warning and early response systems (EWER) to tackle potential threats before they escalate into full-blown crises.
Search for Common Ground Urges Sustainability
Addressing participants, Mr. About Outtarra, Acting Country Director of Search for Common Ground, encouraged the states to institutionalize peacebuilding efforts as donor support phases out at the end of 2025.
He urged stakeholders to uphold the skills and frameworks already introduced, stating that sustainability is essential to maintaining the peace momentum in the region.
Commitment to Local Peace Initiatives
Also speaking, Ms. Gift, National Director of Programmes, outlined the organization’s long-standing contributions to peace and development in the Niger Delta. She assured that Search for Common Ground remains committed to supporting local peace efforts through funding and technical assistance.
> “We remain committed to funding local peace initiatives and policies that meet global standards of transparency and accountability,” she said.
Bayelsa Pushes for Peace Commission
One of the key outcomes of the summit was the proposal to establish a Community Peace Commission in Bayelsa State, spearheaded by the state’s peace architecture. Similar peace policy initiatives were approved for Delta and Rivers states, targeting issues like drug abuse, inter-communal conflicts, and economic marginalization.
Carbon Offset Dialogue Proposed
Stakeholders also agreed to host a Regional Dialogue on the Carbon Offset Study Report. The dialogue will aim to raise awareness among peace and environmental actors about the implications of carbon offsets on the region’s green and blue economies — a crucial step toward lasting peace and climate resilience.
“Say YES to Peace,” Says Bayelsa Rep
Speaking on the sidelines, Dr. Inebaraton Preye, Secretary of the Bayelsa State Peace Architecture, emphasized the critical role of peace in sustainable development.
> “We prepare for education, tourism, health, infrastructure, and even war — but we often neglect the role of peace. This is a wake-up call to say YES to peace. The time to act is now,” he said.
The summit concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to consolidate the gains made so far and to prioritize peace as a foundation for development across the Niger Delta.