About AAPW

AA PeaceWorks Projects and Fundings

Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPW) is a Nigerian NGO formed in 1992 in Lagos, Nigeria. Over the past 31 years, it has worked across Nigeria and in Ghana.

Objectives of AAPW

  • To build awareness of the need and possibilities of peace in society.
  • To empower individuals and groups in building peace, through training and networking.
  • To develop the framework for the peace process through action-oriented research and intervention in current or potential conflicts.

To date AAPW has conducted over 400 training workshops, written 3 books and numerous papers on community conflicts and security, with increasing emphasis on the Niger Delta since 1998. With funding from the British Council/DFID it undertook multiyear interventions in some of the hottest conflicts in Nigeria. More recently, EU funding supported a 5-year Niger Delta Dialogue, which provided a safe space for diverse, and often conflicting, parties to discuss and work on finding solutions to problems of the region. The EU is also supporting ongoing efforts to address the issues of climate change and community conflict in the coastal areas of West Africa.

The table below shows activities of Academic Associates PeaceWorks from 1992 to date.

YearLocationDonorProjectDescription
2022-20255 Niger Delta
States
European Union
Delegation
Coping with Climate
Change as a Cause of Conflict to Coastal Communities of West Africa
Building resilience of coastal communities in the Niger Delta to mitigate conflict induced by climate change.
2022Bayelsa StateUniversity of
Copenhagen Department of Political Science
Research on the Impact
of the 2022 Flood on
Piracy and Crime
Exploring the nexus of
natural disaster and maritime crime.
20225 Niger Delta
States
UNODCCounter Piracy in the
Niger Delta
Enhancing community
Cooperation against piracy
2017-20219 Niger
Delta States
European Union
Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Stemming the multiple
layered crisis in
Nigeria’s Niger Delta
Region.
Niger Delta Dialogue
Meetings, Influencing collaboration and networking with relevant Ministries
2018-2019Niger DeltaFOSTERStakeholders
Engagement & Dialogue on the Implementation of the Strategic Implementation Workplan (SIWP)
Secure buy-in and political
commitment of stakeholders towards the implementation of SIWP for the Niger Delta Region
2018-2019Rivers,
Bayelsa and
Delta states
PINDTowards Nonviolent
Elections in 2019
Reducing electoral violence
in the core Niger Delta states.
2016 -2017Delta, Akwa
Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Abuja
European
Resources for Mediation Support
Niger Delta DialogueCreating a space for
dialogue between the Federal Government of Nigeria to
dialogue with the people of the Niger
Delta Region
2016 -2017Bayelsa
State, Delta
State and
Edo State
Foundation for
Partnership
Initiative in the
Niger Delta
Establishment , training
and monitoring of Peace
Monitoring and Response teams under the UNICEF
Niger Delta Support
Project (NDSP)
Mainstreaming conflict
sensitivity in the UNICEF
WASH Project. Building the capacity of CBOs to monitor and respond
to conflict in respect to
WASH projects
2015 -2017Delta,
Rivers, Bayelsa
Nigeria Stability
and Reconciliation Programme
Building collaboration
between Security forces and citizens for improved
Security in Ughelli North LGA, and Dialogue between Niger Delta Leaders and
Government
Community sensitization
against cultism through the community Stakeholder Network, Town hall meetings
YearLocationDonorProjectDescription
2015Edo, Delta,
Bayels
UNICEF /
PIND
UNICEF Peace
Building
Mainstreaming conflict sensitivity in the
UNICEF WASH project.
2015,
2019
Rivers,
Bayelsa, Delta
Partnership
Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND)
Towards
nonviolent
Elections
Sensitization of youths and youth-at-risk
against violence to ensure a violence free elections in the Niger Delta.
2013-
2014
OML 30
Delta
NPDC/SNRLCommunity
Engagement
AAPW served as community relations building
consultant to NPDC – serving as linkage between the oil producing communities in OML 30 and NPDC to ensure cordial relationship leading uninterrupted oil exploration.
2012BayelsaDFIDConstructiveConstructive engagement of women and youth
towards
nonviolent Governorship election
2010-
2011
Delta
Bayelsa
Rivers
DFIDNonviolent
Election
Sensitization of youths and youth-at-risk
against violence to ensure a violence free elections in the Niger Delta.
2008-
2013
Delta,
Bayelsa,
Rivers
DFIDGTF 309Promoting good governance in the Niger
Delta
2006 –
2007
Delta,
Bayelsa and Rivers States of Nigeria
UNDP and
Delta State
Government
Multi
Purpose Community Centres
Designed and started implementation of
MPCCs in 3 core states of the Niger Delta, for members of armed youth groups, including technical skills training; job counseling and placement; personal, trauma and drug counseling; business training; sports; literacy; numeracy; life skills; mindset change.
2007Delta StateDelta State
Government
Peace and
Security
Strategy
Worked with the Delta State Government in
designing and implementing a plan for consolidating peace and security in the state, including establishing a Peace Monitoring Commission and Peace Centre.
2007Delta,
Bayelsa and
Rivers States
DfID
US Institute of Peace
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
Niger
Delta Youths for Nonviolent Elections
Initiated the incorporation of 40 ex-militants
as Master Trainers and 1000 Niger Delta youth as election observers working for nonviolent 2007 elections. Conducted voter education, rallies, Town Hall Meetings. Produced a 13-episode television show “Solution Hour for Peace”.
Established Nonviolent Election Committees- NECS (facilitated by the young Master
trainers) in 20 of the most conflict-prone local governments, which worked with security agencies and local leaders to prevent/resolve conflicts.
YearLocationDonorProjectDescription
2006 –
2007
Delta,
Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo and Akwa Ibom States
Rivers State
Government
Studies of
Armed
Groups in 5
States of the Niger Delta
Conducted comprehensive
studies of these groups as part of ongoing work on Demobilization of Armed Groups in the Niger Delta – including history, reasons for formation, leadership, strength in numbers and armament, and alternatives to violence.
2006-
2007
Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo and Akwa
Ibom States
ChevronStudy of
Job Creation and employment in the Niger Delta
As part of ongoing work on Job Creation for the Niger Delta Peace and Security Secretariat, conducted a comprehensive study of traditional occupations, current training centres and potential income generation for youth of the Niger Delta.
2006Delta,
Bayelsa and Rivers States
UNDPTechnical
Needs
Assessment
Analyzed current training
programs in the 3 core Niger Delta states as basis for development of MPCCs.
2006Delta,
Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo and Akwa Ibom States
NNPCStudies of
Corporate Practices and Conflict
As part of ongoing work with
the Niger Delta Peace and Security Secretariat, conducted studies of company/community conflicts in
Nigeria and 4 other countries to look at improving corporate practices.
2006Yenagoa,
Bayelsa
State
NNPC and
Bayelsa State Government
Yenagoa
Accord
Meeting
Organized a pan-Niger Delta
meeting of all stakeholders by the PaS Secretariat with support from AAPW staff.
2005FCT AbujaFederal
Capital Action Committee On HIV/AIDS (FACA)
Knowledge,
Attitude & Practice Survey in the FCT
Conducted a KAP study on HIV
and AIDS issues among young people in Bwari, Kuje and FCT Municipal, particularly those between the ages of 15-24 years old in the FCT. Voluntary confidential counseling and testing (VCCT) was given and
the prevalence of HIV infections in the sample was ascertained.
YearLocationDonorProjectDescription
2005-
2007
Port
Harcourt, Rivers State
NNPCEstablishment
and Operation of the Niger Delta Peace and Security Secretariat
Conceived as a comprehensive
approach to the multi-faceted problems of the Niger Delta, PaS commissioned 12 background papers, formed a Working Group consisting of all key stakeholders (govt., security, oil companies, NDDC, EFCC, civil society) chaired by the Minister of Petroleum. Member NGOs executed various programmatic areas. AAPW focused
on Demobilization.
2005-
2007
Niger
Delta
NNPCConflict
Containment
Under a Letter of Intent with NNPC,
PeaceWorks Consultants conducted various conflict prevention / management activities, including work on hostage issues, Bonny, Rumuekpe, Warri, Okrika, Ogoni conflicts. Dr. Asuni also assisted with hostage- taking issues in Bayelsa and Delta States, working with government officials, security agents, company officials and the youths themselves.
2005Warri,
Delta
State
NNPC2nd Niger
Delta Youth Stakeholders Workshop
Organized and brought together youth
from across the Niger Delta, top government and oil company officials, organized by PeaceWorks
Consultants.
2004-
2006
Rivers
State
Rivers State
Government
Consolidation
of the Asari- Ateke peace Accord
DfID SaferAfrica Shell
Undertook case studies of all of the
armed youth groups in Rivers State; facilitated meeting between the Governor and youth leaders; organized a church service of confession and forgiveness; assisted
with an Outward Bound-type camp for
700 militants; organized a second camp specifically for Ogoni youth; assisted the Rivers State Rehabilitation Committee in organizing technical
skills training for members of armed
groups. With SaferAfrica, oversaw a disarmament process and public destruction of weapons. Continued to be a liaison between the government and the armed groups.
YearLocationDonorProjectDescription
2004-
2005
AbujaNNPCNNPC
Standing Committee on Niger Delta Youths
Outcome of 1st ND Youth
Workshop, bringing together key youth leaders and oil company representatives, facilitated by Dr. Asuni.
2004Port Harcourt, Rivers StateNNPC1st Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders WorkshopOrganized first such gathering of youth from across the region, meeting with top government and company officials, organized by AAPW.
2004-
2006
RiversMacArthur
Foundation, NDDC, and Rivers State Government
Promoting
partnership among Stakeholders in the Niger Delta
Three year project with 3 donor
sources, database of all stakeholders in 5 of the most conflict-prone local governments; needs assessments; stakeholder dialogues; assistance with meeting development needs; training in conflict management and advocacy for range of stakeholders.
2004-
2008
Nigeria
Nationwide
DFID,
Canadian CIDA, Swedish SIDA, Nestle
Television
Drama
Initiated a curriculum-based
television drama. The Station, aimed at urban youth, demonstrating positive ways of handling youth issues such as identify, security, powerlessness. Aired on 2 national channels. In conjunction with Search for Common Ground, Washington, DC.
2003Lagos and
Abuja
Nigeria
Police Force
Training of
senior police officers
Trained 600 senior police officers
in early
warning signs of election conflict prior to the 2003 elections
2003NationwideEmbassy of
Switzerland, National Orientation Agency
Traveling
drama troupe
Team wrote, produced and
performed a drama on nonviolent elections, traveled the country. Aired on national television.
YearLocationDonorProjectDescription
2002-
2006
Nasaraw
a
State
GTZ
Nasarawa State Government
Integrated
Peace and Development Project in Karu Local Government
Initiated a local government-based peace
and development project in Karu Local Government of Nasarawa, which includes: PRA; REFLECT adult literacy survey and training; conflict management training for all traditional and community leaders, police, SSS, and local government employees; peace education in schools; NGO capacity building; HIV/AIDS training; CEFE entrepreneurial training; establishment of Peace and Development Committees on the local government and community levels; three farm projects, the Karu Unity Festival (twice), and facilitation of the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Karu.
1999-
2001,
2003
Warri,
Delta
State
United
States Institute of Peace, USAID, OTI, Delta State Government, Chevron
USAID
Intervention into
the Warri interethnic crisis
USIP initially funded 1999 research about
the Warri conflict, followed by training of 6 members of the National Corps of Mediators; conflict management workshops with youth fighters, elders, women; peace education in schools; on- going mediation and enlightenment; publication of a book Conflict and Instability in the Niger Delta: the Warri Case. After
2003 election violence, resuscitated the
Warri Forum.
2002LokojaNational
Orientation
Agency
Conflict
Management training
Trained all national and state directors of
the Fed Govt’s information agency on
conflict management.
2001-
2002
AbujaFederal
Government of Nigeria
National
Early Warning
System
Worked with the National Security Adviser
and SSS in developing an early warning system for communal conflict, bringing together civil society and government.
2001-
2002
Lagos
and Kano
Nigerian
Opportunities Industrializatio n Centres
Training of
Peace builders at
NOIC
Training centres
Developed curriculum and trained peace
builders for staff in Lagos, Warri and Kano.
YearLocationDonorProjectDescription
2001LagosSearch for
Common
Ground
Radio
drama
Pilot project using the curriculum-based
approach to presenting issues of conflict and peaceful co-existence through a radio drama.
2001Bayelsa
State
Shell SPDCCommunity
Engagement Plan
Developed a Community Engagement Plan
for a new gas gathering project, extensive site visits.
2000Benue
State
Liverpool
Associates in Tropical Health
HIV/AIDS related
conflict
Conducted study and intervention in AIDS
related conflict in area with highest prevalence rate in Nigeria.
1999-
2000
Delta,
Bayelsa and Rivers States
USAIDConflict
Management Training in Local Governments
Conducted conflict management training
for key stakeholders in 15 local governments with recent violent conflicts.
1999

2000
LagosLagos
Chamber of
Commerce
Conflict
Management
Training
Trained executive members of Nigeria’s
leading Chamber of Commerce in conflict management and aided strategic planning process.
1999
and
2003
Lagos and
Nasarawa
States
Westminster
Foundation and Nasarawa State Government
Training of state
legislatures and key
civil servants
Trained members of the State Houses of
Assembly, Perm Secs and other key officials in the state civil service in conflict management and advocacy.
1998

2000
BonnyNLNGTraining
of staff
Trained all members of NLNG staff in cross
cultural education and conflict management.
1998

2000
LagosUSISConflict
Analysis and
Management
Trained Nigerian journalists and media
executive from around the country; established the Journalists’ Network for Peace.
1998

1999
Niger DeltaShellSPDC Youth for
a Change project
Studied youth empowerment and social development in 7 communities.
YearLocationDonorProjectDescription
1998BonnyNLNGYouth
empowerment and social change project
Lived and worked with youth on Bonny
Island during the initial construction of the huge LNG plant, studying opportunities for youth involvement.
1997

1998
Tamale,
Ghana
ActionAid
Ghana
Peace Education
Programme
Developed curriculum and trained teachers
from various sides of interethnic conflict in Northern Ghana in peace education. Also follow-up training.
1997

1998
Mangu/
Bokkos, Ife/ Modakeke and
Ugep
USAIDPeace education
programmes in 3 conflict prone communities
Trained teachers, students and community
leaders in peace education. Established peace clubs facilitated by local women’s NGOs. Outward Bound camp and income generation projects which brought warring sides together.
1997

1999
Ife/
Modakeke
Tiv/Jukun
Wukari
Tafawa
Balewa
Zangon
Kataf
Takum
Kano
British
Council, DfID
Major
interventions in community conflicts
Started with in-depth case studies of each
conflict; published as “Community Conflicts in Nigeria”. Conflict management training for youth warriors, then elders, then women.
Establishment of Peace Committees. Peace education in secondary and primary schools. Intervention to address relevant fundamental issues. Formation of a Peace Support
Network.
1997

1998
8
universities around Nigeria
British
Council
Conflict
Management training in universities
Held workshops for academic staff,
Nonacademic staff and students. Conflict management committees established which included representatives of all groups on campus.
YearLocationDonorProjectDescription
1995-
1997
Nationwide in NigeriaBritish
Council
Peace Education in
Secondary Schools
Trained teachers in secondary schools throughout Nigeria in peace education.
1995-
1997
Nationwide
in Nigeria
British
Council
Conflict
Management Training for community leaders
Organized basic conflict management
training for community leaders in locations across Nigeria.
1994,
1997,
1998
Ota
Ogere
PHC
Gen.
Obasanjo
British
Council
Formation of the
National Corps of Mediators
Undertook a civil society initiative at
training respected individuals to intervene in communal conflict. A joint project of the Africa Leadership Forum and Academic Associates PeaceWorks. Later meetings of the NCM funded by the British Council.
1993OtaGen.
Olusegun
Obasanjo
Conflict
management training
Organized our initial training for staff and
students of Nigerian universities, with technical capacity from AAPW and funding from Gen. Obasanjo.
1992

1994
Lagos and
Ikenne
Self-fundedPeace education in schoolsConducted initial peace education training in primary and secondary schools on a voluntary basis.