Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reiterated its resolve to use inclusive approach in conflict resolution.
The Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission’s Board, (NDDC) Mr. Chiedu Ebie, disclosed an innovative approach, adding that it is inclusive for peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution for the development of Niger Delta region.
The commission’s Board Chairman, who disclosed this recently, during a capacity-building programme in Port Harcourt, noted that it was necessary to equip traditional rulers, clergy, and community leaders with effective strategies inorder to resolve disputes and foster regional peace for the development of the region.
Speaking further, he revealed that while peace is a core tool for development to strive in any given geographical area, crisis is as well a significant hindrance to developmental growth; tasking all community leaders to adopt dynamic approaches to peace and conflict resolution.
Mr. Ebio, appreciated the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for initiating the new approach and for underscoring the importance of proactive conflict management.
According to Dr. Ogbuku: “Let us not wait until conflicts arise; we must be proactive. Our responsibility is to equip community leaders with the necessary tools to prevent and manage disputes effectively.”
He expressed the need for regional cooperation, citing ecological degradation as a common challenge uniting the Niger Delta states; while hinting on the NDDC’s broader role beyond infrastructure development, he maintained that the Commission was equally committed to human capital development.
In his words: “As an interventionist agency, our mandate extends beyond projects and road construction. We are also investing in people, fostering regional integration, and strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms to ensure sustainable peace.
“Despite our linguistic differences, we share issues such as conflicts and environmental challenges. Without peace, development cannot thrive.
Moreover, Ogbuku called on the clergy to promote peace through their teachings and encouraged traditional rulers to foster inclusivity and generosity within their communities; as he observed greed and exclusion from decision-making as key drivers of conflict, pleading with the leaders to engage their people transparently to build trust and harmony.
Also, NDDC Acting Director of Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution, Mr. Goddy Ogedegbe, while releasing his welcome address speech, reiterated that crisis prevention was crucial to sustainable development.
He hinted that it’s better to seek for solution to peace and conflict management ahead than waiting for crisis to emerge first.
“In any environment plagued by crisis, progress is impossible,” he said.
Responding, the traditional ruler of the Elelenwo community, Eze Samuel Chukwu, commended NDDC for fostering dialogue among stakeholders, charging communities to protect NDDC’s projects and discourage vandalism; bringing to the notice emphasising their notice the critical role of local leaders in seeking for and maintaining peace within the region.
