In a strategic partnership aimed at promoting peace and stability in Cross River State, Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta (P4P) and Peace Builders Development Initiative (PeaceDev) recently paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Border Community Development Agency (BorderCom). Led by Ukorebi Esien of P4P and Efio-Ita Nyok of PeaceDev, the delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with Ngim Okpo, the DG of BorderCom, to explore collaborative efforts in conflict resolution and peace-building initiatives across border communities in the state NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
During the visit, Ukorebi Esien, State Coordinator of P4P, emphasized the urgent need for concerted action to address the pervasive conflicts plaguing various communities in Cross River state. Esien stressed, “We are actually here to see how we can work with your office based on the fact that from studies, 15 local governments in Cross River state out of the 18 are involved in one level of communal crisis or the other, and the other three are involved in kidnapping, cultism and armed robbery. Looking at the entire state, you will discover that Cross River is endemic with disputes, and we need help urgently.”
Efio-Ita Nyok, representing PeaceDev, echoed Esien’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing peace-building initiatives in the state’s developmental agenda. Nyok added, “During the 2024 budget engagement, as civil society organization, we made observation to the Cross River State House Committee on Appropriation that peace building was not given the priority it deserves, considering the fact that Cross River is a conflict-ridden state.”
In his response, Ngim Okpo, the DG of BorderCom, expressed appreciation for the collaborative approach proposed by P4P and PeaceDev. Okpo commended the dedication and expertise of the visiting organizations in conflict mediation and peace advocacy. He affirmed, “I want to assure you that we are ready to work with you to galvanize what we are doing here to ensure that we have total peace in Cross River State.” However, he emphasized that his agency’s mandate is keen about border communities across the state.
Furthermore, Okpo highlighted the proactive measures taken by the Cross River State Government to promote peace and security. He cited initiatives and interventions in crisis-prone areas as evidence of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
On her part, Linda Atti of the P4P observed that the anticipated collaborative efforts between P4P, PeaceDev, and BorderCom signify a significant step towards fostering peace and stability in Cross River state. “By leveraging our respective strengths and resources, the organizations aim to create a conducive environment for sustainable development and prosperity in the region”, Atti concluded.
Other attendees from Bordercom, P4P and PeaceDev present during the courtesy call especially directors at Bordercom opined that the partnership between Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta, Peace Builders Development Initiative, and the Border Community Development Agency underscores the importance of collective action in addressing conflict and promoting peace in Cross River.
