Scholars Highlight Conflict Drivers at Port Harcourt Workshop

A three-day workshop held at the University of Port Harcourt concluded with scholars identifying political exclusion, governance failures, and inequitable resource distribution as primary drivers of conflict in Nigeria. Organized by the Nigerian Chapter of the African Universities Seminar Series and the African Peacebuilding Development Dynamics, the workshop emphasized the need for government strategies that address structural issues contributing to ongoing conflicts.

Scholars advocated for community-based approaches to governance that reflect local realities to counter radicalization and promote peacebuilding. They warned against reliance on government contracts for peace interventions, which often fail to address underlying grievances and may entrench conflict.

The workshop featured keynote addresses from Dr. Akin Iwilade and included discussions on various themes related to peacebuilding and security.

Participants received mentorship on academic writing and were encouraged to enhance the visibility of their research. The workshop concluded with a call for improved transparency and citizen engagement to build trust and mitigate conflict.