The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), recognizing the persistent challenges of oil bunkering, artisanal refining, and cult-related violence plaguing the region, implemented a week-long series of arts and culture events across Bayelsa and Delta States. This initiative, held from August 18th to 23rd, 2025, leveraged the unifying power of art and culture to foster dialogue, reconciliation, and community-driven peacebuilding. The program aimed to address the root causes of conflict, including unemployment, social exclusion, and environmental degradation, while simultaneously empowering communities to take ownership of the peace process. More than 2,200 participants from ten communities across both states engaged in a rich tapestry of cultural exchange and collaborative problem-solving, signaling a promising shift towards sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
The carefully selected communities represented a cross-section of the region’s diverse geography and cultural landscape. In Delta State, participants hailed from Ohoro and Agbarha in Ughelli North Local Government Area, as well as Ovwian and Otor-Udu in Udu Local Government Area. In Bayelsa State, the program engaged communities including Etieama, Agbakabiriyai, Igbeta Ewoama, and Akakukama in Nembe Local Government Area; Igbomotoro and Opuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area; and Kotikiri, Kongho, and Odioma in Brass Local Government Area. This broad representation ensured that the initiative resonated with a wide swathe of the population, fostering a sense of collective ownership and regional solidarity in the pursuit of peace.
The week-long program was a vibrant showcase of the region’s rich artistic heritage. Music, drama, dance, and symbolic unity ceremonies filled the air, creating a powerful and emotive atmosphere conducive to reconciliation. Beyond the artistic expressions, the events facilitated crucial dialogue platforms, encouraging communities to embrace joint problem-solving as a preventative measure against future conflicts. This emphasis on community-led solutions aimed to empower local stakeholders to identify and address the specific challenges facing their respective areas, fostering a sense of agency and ownership in the peacebuilding process.
PIND’s peacebuilding approach, termed the Community-Centred Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence, is notable for its focus on inclusivity and trust-building. Dr. David Udofia, PIND’s Peacebuilding Manager, emphasized the effectiveness of this approach, particularly in empowering marginalized groups such as women and youth. He highlighted that the 2025 edition built upon previous successes, deepening the impact and fostering greater community buy-in. This focus on inclusivity ensured that the voices of often-overlooked segments of the population were heard, contributing to more comprehensive and sustainable peacebuilding efforts. By providing platforms for dialogue and collaboration, the program actively worked towards bridging divides and fostering a shared vision for a peaceful future.
The project, funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with Search for Common Ground and Stakeholder Democracy Network, demonstrates a multi-faceted approach to tackling the complex challenges in the Niger Delta. This collaboration brought together diverse expertise and resources, strengthening the initiative’s impact and reach. The involvement of international organizations underscores the global recognition of the importance of peace and stability in the region, while the partnership with local organizations like PIND ensures that the program is grounded in local context and expertise. This collaborative approach demonstrates the power of partnerships in addressing complex and deeply rooted challenges.
The positive impact of PIND’s arts and culture initiative has resonated deeply within the participating communities. Traditional leaders, such as Sunday Ikpoki, Chairman of the Odioma Kingdom Council of Chiefs, lauded the program for its timeliness and impact. He noted that the initiative had fostered a greater sense of ownership and responsibility for peace within the communities. The integration of cultural heritage into the peacebuilding process resonated strongly with community members, creating a sense of pride and shared purpose. The increased collaboration with security agents, as observed by Ikpoki, further highlights the tangible impact of the program in promoting community-led security and conflict resolution. By blending cultural celebration with collective problem-solving, PIND’s initiative is emerging as a sustainable and impactful model for peacebuilding in the volatile Niger Delta, offering hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
