Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have been challenged to work hard to preserve the fragile peace in the region.
The Niger Delta Development Commission made the call at a training on conflict management and dispute resolution in Port Harcourt.
Traditional rulers, religious, and women leaders from the nine states of the Niger Delta came together for the training.
Speakers acknowledged the stability in the once troubled region.
But they’re also cautious of the possibility of a relapse to the era of
violent agitation if deliberate actions are not taken.
The belief is that the participants have a role to play in avoiding
conflict at the community level or resolving them in a timely and fair
manner.
The gathering also emphasised the value of embracing alternative dispute resolution over violence or litigation for lasting peace in the Niger Delta to be achieved.
The key lesson for these community leaders is that for effective conflict management to occur, all sides and voices must be heard.
Also while a peaceful environment is essential for regional development, it is required for the economic activities in the oil rich Niger Delta to thrive.
The training featured technical and interactive sessions designed to
open up the minds of participants on better ways of playing their roles as custodians of tradition, religion and family values.
