….Bayelsa Moves to Institutionalize Conflict Prevention

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

YENAGOA — The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command in Yenagoa, Air Vice Marshal Michael Nnanye Onyebashi, has emphasized that sustaining peace and security is essential for all-round development.

Speaking while hosting members of the Bayelsa State Peace Architecture (SPA) at the command headquarters, Onyebashi advocated a bottom-up approach to curbing violence and preventing the escalation of conflicts across the state.

He stated that the command, following the policy of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, is committed to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure sustainable peace within its operational area.

“The Mobility Command is a Federal Government initiative tasked with operating all airlift assets in its operational area. That assignment is people-centered to protect lives, property, and the air territorial space,” he said.

Onyebashi added that the proposed Bayelsa State Community Peace Commission Bill, once passed, would provide a framework for early warning and response mechanisms to strengthen security and community development.

Earlier, Dr. Inebaraton Preye, Secretary of the SPA, speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Alfred Watson Belemote, explained that the visit was to acknowledge the support of security operatives and military formations over the past 26 months for a European Union-funded project.

The initiative, titled Community-Centred Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta, implemented by Search for Common Ground and partners, has contributed to positioning Bayelsa among the most peaceful states in Nigeria.

Preye called for a non-kinetic approach to peacebuilding, noting that while funds are allocated for education, health, infrastructure, and security, efforts to prevent conflict and build peace are often overlooked.

“We laud the support of the State Security Team in positioning Bayelsa among the most peaceful states in Nigeria. When the Bayelsa State Community Peace Commission Bill is presented, kindly say a loud YES. It remains a one-stop shop for sustainable peace and community development across the state,” he said.

The Peace Architecture team included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, retired SP Francis Opuomoni; Pastor Nyanami Apere of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Community Development; President of Rescue Mission International, Princess Elizabeth Egbe; and other key stakeholders in peace and conflict prevention.