World Peace begins with the Individual; it begins at home, with how we live our lives, relate with others and handle conflict situations that arise in the process of our interaction. Conflict Resolution is peace at work with principles that are universally applicable/acceptable but tools and strategies may differ between individuals, families, communities and nations because of the differences in culture, religion, etc.
Conflicts are disagreements or problems that people have with one another, this sometimes usually lead to negative feelings, loss of property or lives, destroyed relationships, etc. Conflicts are not necessarily destructive as we have two types of Conflicts: The Violent Conflict and the Non-Violent Conflict. Violent Conflicts are disagreements that usually result in physical damage or destruction ranging from properties to lives while Non-violent Conflicts are disagreements that does not necessarily result in loss of property or lives but of course broken relationships, hurt feelings, etc.
Conflicts help to expose problems; in-built mechanism to solve problems; if properly managed, they could be used as opportunities for learning, getting new ideas and strategies for moving forward, for personal growth and for social change; but if badly managed, conflicts could turn very negative with unhealthy consequences, therefore it is necessary for people especially young people to learn and be equipped with skills and knowledge on how to manage/resolve conflicts in their communities, be it violent or non-violent. It is important to state here that unresolved non-violent conflicts could lead to violent conflicts in our communities.
Non-violent conflicts in Nigeria has been in existence for a long time and has been the basis of strike actions, demonstrations, etc by the different organizations/institutions/parastatals, etc in the country trying to express their problems or issues for the appropriate bodies to listen and take favorable decisions.
Conflicts in Nigeria had arose because of various reasons and some of these are:
Greed
Resource Control by the different parts of the country
Minimum Wages for Civil Servants
Religious differences
Fuel hike
Ethnic oppression and marginalization of people and groups such as ethnic minorities, women and children.
Etc
The above reasons have often resulted in “bad blood” amongst the different groups in Nigeria who feel they are being sidelined.
Nigerians have always been able to come up with strategies that have been help in resolving the different conflict in the country, though till present so many issues are still left pending resolution, example the Niger Delta Crisis.
Some of the popular and effective tool used in Nigeria to manage or resolve conflicts negotiations, persuasions and advocacy where issues of concern are negotiated between bodies, persuaded by different bodies and issues needed to be advocated upon to create more understanding and further emphasis on why these issues should be given adequate attention and the conflicts managed/resolved.
Other strategies are:
Rallies/Walk
Public Enlightenment Programmes – Seminar, jingles, workshops, posters, flyers, etc
Presentation of Position Papers
Etc
Though in recent times more focus has been given to Violent Conflict because of the Niger Delta crisis in the country.
I believe if young people as the heart beat and energetic part of our nation learn the following tools then they would be able to effectively resolve conflicts in their communities. The tools are as follows:
Affirmation of Self and others: Valuing others and ourselves creates motivation and commitment to resolve conflict non-violently. Always stop and think before action as this will assist in diffusing anger.
Cooperation: The recognition that we exist in this world together and that we will survive together or be destroyed together is central to finding solutions that benefit both sides
Communication Skills: Listening skills and clear, assertive statements are essential to the non-violent resolution of problems with others.
Problem Solving Techniques: Learning practical techniques as well as having appropriate attitudes and approaches to conflict are crucial to resolving our disputes.
Armed with these tools Nigerian youths will be able to not only resolve conflicts in their communities but also teach and assist other young people find peaceful reconciliation to situations of conflicts whenever they occur.
