An international non-profit organisation, Search for Common Ground (Search), has canvassed an innovative community-centred approach to address systemic violence and criminality in the Niger Delta region.

It called on relevant actors to address conflict and advocate for policies that enhance security and peace in Rivers State.

The foundation made the call at a multi-stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt, where it launched an innovative approach to address violence and criminality in the region.

According to the foundation’s National Conflict and Policy Analyst, Andy Okemneme, the project aims to empower community actors to address social exclusion, economic opportunities, and environmental degradation.

He said the 18-month project is expected to bring together diverse stakeholders to foster inclusive community security and promote social cohesion.

While emphasising establishing structures where conflict can be nipped in the bud, he noted that having a state-level peace architecture, a key project component, will convene state-level actors, local government representatives, and community leaders to respond to escalated issues and concerns.

He also called for lead high-level advocacy on policy change while charging the inaugurated state-level peace architecture to build trust between government, security, and community stakeholders.

Okemneme explained that the platform will serve as a monthly convention for stakeholders to discuss community conflicts and develop sustainable solutions.

He said: “The inauguration ceremony marked the beginning of a new era in conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Rivers State, with stakeholders committing to work together towards a more peaceful and secure future.”

Regional Head of Office and Head of Programme for Search for Common Grounds in Niger Delta, Agbajakan Iyasente, noted that the initiative, funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen dialogue, local ownership, and conflict resolution capacity among government, civil society, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders.