The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has set up an eight-member Conflict Prevention Council in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. This is part of its plan to boost peacebuilding in this oil-producing area.
The council was inaugurated on 26 September during a peacebuilding program. About 30 participants from the four clans in Onna also took part in training on mediation, early warning systems, and ways to manage conflicts.
Emmanuel Ikpe, a criminology and peacebuilding consultant from Eket Local Government Area, chaired the program. He praised PIND for its ongoing investment in peace initiatives across the Niger Delta.
Kufre Essien, PIND’s peacebuilding consultant, led the capacity-building session.
The eight members of the council include Nwaowo Raymond Inyang’s wife, Etebom Itiat, Aniefiok Ekim, Friday Inyang, Imoh Eshiet, Maria Etuk, Regina Udonsek, and Wilson Akpan.
Inauguration of members of the Conflict Prevention Council in Onna
The Paramount Ruler of Onna, Raymond Inyang, thanked PIND for establishing the Prevent Council in the area. He said the council will work with traditional leaders to prevent conflicts, encourage peace, and strengthen unity among the four clans.
Mr Inyang promised that traditional leaders would support efforts to maintain peace and development in Onna.
Peace is still at risk
The council was inaugurated as there are renewed calls for more investment in conflict prevention across Akwa Ibom. PREMIUM TIMES reported on 22 September that the Akwa Ibom State Conflict Prevention Council noted that peace in the state is “relatively stable but fragile.” They pointed out land disputes, chieftaincy issues, and youth-related problems as ongoing threats to peace.
The council warned that the relative peace should not be seen as a sign that there are no risks of conflict. They called for ongoing investment in early warning systems and quick response measures.
They also mentioned that their actions have helped stop some community conflicts from getting worse, thanks to the support from PIND in terms of training and resources.
The council urged the Akwa Ibom State Government, traditional leaders, businesses, religious groups, and youth organizations to invest more in peacebuilding.
This call is especially important for communities dealing with land and resource disputes.
Earlier this month, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Akwa Ibom State Government intervened in a long-standing land dispute involving the Mbak people, six host communities, and other stakeholders in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. The government encouraged dialogue and warned against actions that could threaten peace.
Challenges in Onna’s peacebuilding
Onna has been in recent PREMIUM TIMES reports about the environmental and economic issues facing oil-producing communities. In June, PREMIUM TIMES reported that stakeholders from Onna demanded better accountability from oil companies over gas flaring and environmental problems.
They said many residents do not know their rights under the law and called for more community involvement in decisions affecting their environment and livelihoods.
In this context, the new council is expected to provide a local platform to spot and deal with emerging conflicts before they escalate. PIND’s Prevent Council model depends on community leaders and other influential people to notice early signs of conflict, promote dialogue, and support timely actions.
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