Sanab Devt Foundation Takes Peace Message To Crisis Ridden Communities In Abia
Disturbed by criminal activities in some communities of Abia state and the effect it has on law abiding citizens, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO),Sanab Development Foundation(SDF), has been engaged by the PIND Foundation to intervene and seek peace in crisis ridden communities with the sole aim of bringing a lasting peace to such communities.
The Sanab Development Foundation (SDF), with support from the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), has concluded a series of impactful activities aimed at mitigating criminality and communal violence in Bende and Isuikwuato Local Government Areas. In this regard, SANAB and its team in a three days advocacy, visited Bende and Ohafia LGAs in Abia,with a clear message to stop crime and embrace peace.
Sanab Development Foundation
stated that the interventions are part of broader efforts to foster peace building, harmony and development in the region.
Sequel to this, Sanab resource persons led by their Project Coordinator, Dr. Delphine Chioma, on 2nd of December 2024, during a one day sensitization training on “Reducing Criminality and Stopping Communal Conflicts”,at Itumbuzo Civic hall in Bende LGA, Dr Chioma, made it clear that the event is been sponsored by a Peace Capacity Building Foundation called PIND Foundation adding that they are sponsoring Sanab Foundation to intervene in crisis ridden communities, sensitize and create awareness on the need for peace and reduction of crime and criminality in such communities.
In her lecture, titled, “Conflict Management”, Chioma said conflict is a disagreement between two or more parties and can be caused by lack of communication and misunderstanding. She added that conflict can be resolved through dialogue and compromise, stating the need for communities to engage in dialogue for peace to reign.
Dr Chioma reiterated that the activities have fostered dialogue among stakeholders, enhanced community collaboration, and reduced tensions in conflict-prone areas. “The program’s success has paved the way for continued efforts toward a safer and more united Abia State”.
She revealed that they have achieved good success in the communities they visited adding that the communities came out in their numbers to welcome them, while adding that the people accepted their teachings with a firm promise to adhere to them .
The Sanab leader noted that the intervention demonstrates the power of partnership, collaboration, and grassroots action in addressing societal challenges.
She highlighted the key activities of the Intervention to include: Stakeholder Engagement,
meetings with traditional rulers, youth leaders, women groups, and religious leaders to discuss conflict drivers and gain community buy-in.
Advocacy visits to local government authorities and security agencies to align efforts in reducing insecurity.
Community Sensitization and Awareness, outreach programs in churches aimed at educating residents on conflict prevention and community security.
Dissemination of fliers, banners, and media campaigns emphasizing peace building.
Capacity Building Training:
Organized workshops focused on conflict resolution, community security, and the role of youth in peace building.
Facilitated discussions on practical safety measures and partnerships with law enforcement to reduce crime.
Media Engagement:
Featured radio programs and documentaries highlighting the intervention’s impact.
Created platforms for community members to share insights and solutions through call-in sessions. Establishment of Peace
Structures:
Trained peace ambassadors and set up conflict resolution committees within communities for sustainability and empowered youth and women with skills to advocate for peace and economic alternatives to prevent criminal behavior.
Speaking also other resource persons who spoke in the workshop , Mr Obinna Oku lectured on Criminality, while Ambassador Bene Nwoko spoke on Volunteerism and it’s importance in community development, Mrs Gerald Kanu Cyrina handled a topic known as Sensitivity which she said engender peace, self satisfaction and development of a community .
Several persons made responses at the meeting, speaking, the traditional ruler of Ntalankwu ancient kingdom His Royal Majesty Eze Chike Okorie Okwuoma commended the foundation for coming to preach peace to their community and pray that peace must reign .
A participant, Daniel George Udo revealed factors that would prevent conflict in his community to include job creation and skill acquisition programs maintained that lack of job is the root cause of idleness among youths of the community.
Mr Ise Joseph Monday said there is an urgent need to stop drug abuse among youths of the community saying this has been a major contribution to conflicts in their community .
Mrs Ifeoma Daniel thanked the Foundation for coming to talk about peace in their community, as she urged them to help fight drug abuse among youths of their community .
Dr Chioma, the Coordinator thanked them for their support and cooperation assuring them of the readiness of PIND Foundation to help them in all possible ways .
Communities present at the workshop were Ndiwo, Okopedi and Ntalankwu communities.
The team later the next day, 3rd of December 2024, visited another group at St. Leo Catholic church Itumbuzo, where Chief Gerald Kanu a senior resource person again lectured on conflict management and the need to embrace peace .
According to him, conflicts is abound naturally but could be reduced to its barest minimum for peace to reign.
Another resource Person, Mr Samuel Okoji notified the audience the need for members of the community to engage in different business ventures and they should form it as a habit to learn how to save money for raining days .
The team few day ago visited Ohafia LGA where some communities were also lectured on the need to maintain peace in their Communities.
In the same vein, SANAB Foundation visited communities in Isuikwuato LGA of Abia and urged them to at all times embrace peace and avoid those things that engender conflict and rise against criminal activities in their communities .
Lecturing a mammoth crowd during a one day sensitization and awareness outreach and capacity building training In Churches on Reducing criminality and Communal Conflicts which took place at Church of God Mission Amuyi Ahaba Imenyi Isuikwuato district in Isuikwuato LGA of Abia State , the Project cordinator of SANAB Foundation Dr. Delphine Chioma who spoke on the topic “Early Warning, Early Response And Perception” said early detection of those elements that could give rise to conflict or noticing a conflict in a community should be reported immediately to Peace In The Niger Delta Foundation PIND through the phone number 09122334455.
She said is known as SMS Early Warning I P D U Platform while pointing out that the report should state the LGA of incident, place, date, and description of incident. She said on receiving the report , the PIND Foundation would definitely respond .
The project coordinator disclosed that this would give rise to early response and reception of the warning base on the Perception of the incident adding that it will go a long way in preventing Conflict and curtailing crime in a Community .
According to her, PIND carry out this services through their Integrated Peace Development Unit IPDU. She noted that communication plays an important role in Conflict Management and Resolution while compromise understanding and tolerance are pertinent factors that engender peace in any community.
Several Facilitators equally lectured at the Church , Barr., Ifeanyichukwu Olunkwa lectured on Understanding Criminality In Rural Setting using Isuikwuato LGA as a case Study, Mrs mercy Okezie spoke on Understanding Peace and Conflict , Ambassador Bene Nwoko lectured on Volunteerism and how Volunteerism facilitates community development .
Responding the pastor in charge of Church Of God Mission, Isuikwuato district venue of the seminar, Rev. Ben Onuoha commended the organizers of the Seminar reiterated that this is the first of it’s kind in the community and in the church .
The Resident Pastor of Living Faith Church Isuikwuato who attended the seminar, Pastor Essien Edet,said the event was a welcome development . He prayed for God’s guidance and protection of the organisers, SANAB Foundation.
Rev Mrs Elizabeth Okorie said she is grateful to God that she is a participant of the lecture series saying that women of the church would help in spreading the gospel according to SANAB Foundation message.
She added that the lecture would be made to go round the community noting that conflicts have affected their community adversely, she prayed God to give the organisers the grace and wisdom to continue in their good assignment .
The next day being the 5th day of December 2024 , the team SANAB Foundation whose mission is being sponsored by PIND Foundation arrived Oluka Hotel Ahaba Imenyi community Isuikwuato, where another set of community members have gathered awaiting the arrival of the team .
On arrival, the team went straight to the business of the day, with the project Coordinator, Dr. Delphine Chioma once again spoke on Causes of Conflict.
She identified Disagreements , Prejudice, Self Interest , Ignorance , Desire for Power, lack of Feeling for others and assumptions as some of the factors that ignite conflict in communities saying that the major cause of conflict is Poor Communication and perception adding that is the way people see things and the way they understand it.
She advised the people to always allow the spirit of tolerance and compromise hold sway in their dealings with other people noting that the team were told of how the people of Ariam Usaka in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State and another community in Akwa Ibom State lost several lives to an age long boundary dispute .
Some Facilitators also lectured at the seminar Dr. Ngozi Nwosu lectured on Understanding Conflict and Communication while Mr Frank Awo spoke on Peace Building and Conflict Sensitivity, Mr Chibuzo Nwachukwu who tackled the topic The Role Of Youths In Conflict Management and Peace Building , and Mr. Samuel Okoji also lectured at the Seminar that lasted for several hours .
Speaking on behalf of the Ahaba Imenyi Community , the Traditional Ruler of the area, His Royal Majesty Eze Ambassador Ike Peter Ginikanwa said this is the first time such event would take place in their domain.
He described it as interesting, rich , and educative, re-emphasizing the importance of peace in a community. He promised to ensure the messages learnt are spread across the length and breadth of the community while praying for the well being of the organisers as they go back to their destinations.
Speaking also, the President General of Ahaba Imenyi Welfare Association Dr. Ebube Nwachukwu Kanu described the day as wonderful saying the lectures will create impact on those that really want to change .
He noted that the initiative is very impressive as he promised to use his good office to ensure the message get to all in the community .
Mrs Charity Udeh who spoke on behalf of women said the community needs this kind of events to bring absolute peace to the community, She prayed for peace on the lives of the organisers as they go about preaching peace across the state.
