Determined to equip the next generation of peacebuilders with practical tools for conflict management, the Cross River State chapter of Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta (P4P) recently organized an intensive peacebuilding workshop for students of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
Held at the University campus on Wednesday, the highly engaging training brought together over fifty student-participants for a deep dive into practical aspects of peacebuilding. These included performing conflict analysis, acquainting with the values of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL), Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) , intervention strategies/methodology and applying nonviolent strategies to foster reconciliation and social harmony.
To assess knowledge gained, students undertook both a pre-test and a post-test. Results showed marked improvement in their understanding of conflict dynamics, mediation techniques, and peace advocacy strategies.
Speaking during the training, Dr. Efio-Ita Nyok, a peace advocate, who introduced the participants to the P4P approach to conflict management and transformation, commended the department for the initiative, noting that it provided a vital link between academic theory and practical engagement.
“Classroom theory must meet community reality,” Dr. Nyok stated. “This workshop allows students to apply what they’ve learned to real-life conflict environments, preparing them to become effective agents of peace.”
One of the key facilitators and secretary of the P4P in the state, Ambassador Ukorebi Esien, a prominent peace builder, delivered a compelling session on case studies of previous interventions P4P have been involved in and early warning systems, emphasizing the importance of identifying root causes and early signs of conflict before they escalate.
“Peacebuilding is not the work of governments alone—it starts with you,” he told the students. “You must learn to observe your environment, understand people’s grievances, and use dialogue and empathy to de-escalate tensions. Every community needs peace champions, and your training starts now.”
Also facilitating the training was Cletus Bassey, a conflict transformation expert and grassroots mediator, who led students through interactive sessions on monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEAL) ideals, using real-life scenarios and role plays, helped participants understand the root causes of communal clashes and how to initiate inclusive peace dialogues.
“Peace is not the absence of disagreement,” he said, “but the ability to manage disagreement constructively and without violence. As emerging peacebuilders, your role is to understand people, mediate fairly, and promote healing.”
Another key facilitator, Dr. Moses Abang, member of the State Central Working Committee and National Secretary of P4P, engaged students in practical sessions on peace education and grassroots engagement. He emphasized the need for proactive youth involvement in conflict prevention.
“You are the future of peace in this region,” he noted. “Training like this empowers you to take ownership of your communities and become catalysts for nonviolent change.”
The Head of Department, Prof. George Atelhe expressed deep appreciation for the training, describing it as both eye-opening and transformative. Many said they now feel more confident in their ability to contribute meaningfully to peace efforts in their communities and on campus.
The Cross River State Coordinator of P4P, Eteng Eteng, who coordinated the entire session, lauded the department for its collaboration and affirmed that the network will continue to support such educational partnerships to foster sustainable peace across the state.
The event concluded with role play, group presentations and a collective pledge by students to serve as active peace ambassadors in their localities.
Partners for Peace, supported by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), continues to spearhead community-based peacebuilding interventions across the nine states of the Niger Delta.
By Asuquo Cletus Felix,
State Public Relations Officer, P4P
3rd July, 2025
