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.
| Year | Location | Donor | Project | Description |
| 2022-2025 | 5 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. |
| 2022 | Bayelsa State | University 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. |
| 2022 | 5 Niger Delta States | UNODC | Counter Piracy in the Niger Delta | Enhancing community Cooperation against piracy |
| 2017-2021 | 9 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 |
| 2018-2019 | Niger Delta | FOSTER | Stakeholders 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 |
| 2018-2019 | Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states | PIND | Towards Nonviolent Elections in 2019 | Reducing electoral violence in the core Niger Delta states. |
| 2016 -2017 | Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Abuja | European Resources for Mediation Support | Niger Delta Dialogue | Creating a space for dialogue between the Federal Government of Nigeria to dialogue with the people of the Niger Delta Region |
| 2016 -2017 | Bayelsa 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 -2017 | Delta, 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 |
| Year | Location | Donor | Project | Description |
| 2015 | Edo, 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/SNRL | Community 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. |
| 2012 | Bayelsa | DFID | Constructive | Constructive engagement of women and youth towards nonviolent Governorship election |
| 2010- 2011 | Delta Bayelsa Rivers | DFID | Nonviolent 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 | DFID | GTF 309 | Promoting 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. |
| 2007 | Delta State | Delta 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. |
| 2007 | Delta, 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. |
| Year | Location | Donor | Project | Description |
| 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 | Chevron | Study 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. |
| 2006 | Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States | UNDP | Technical Needs Assessment | Analyzed current training programs in the 3 core Niger Delta states as basis for development of MPCCs. |
| 2006 | Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo and Akwa Ibom States | NNPC | Studies 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. |
| 2006 | Yenagoa, 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. |
| 2005 | FCT Abuja | Federal 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. |
| Year | Location | Donor | Project | Description |
| 2005- 2007 | Port Harcourt, Rivers State | NNPC | Establishment 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 | NNPC | Conflict 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. |
| 2005 | Warri, Delta State | NNPC | 2nd 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. |
| Year | Location | Donor | Project | Description |
| 2004- 2005 | Abuja | NNPC | NNPC 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. |
| 2004 | Port Harcourt, Rivers State | NNPC | 1st Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders Workshop | Organized first such gathering of youth from across the region, meeting with top government and company officials, organized by AAPW. |
| 2004- 2006 | Rivers | MacArthur 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. |
| 2003 | Lagos 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 |
| 2003 | Nationwide | Embassy 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. |
| Year | Location | Donor | Project | Description |
| 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. |
| 2002 | Lokoja | National Orientation Agency | Conflict Management training | Trained all national and state directors of the Fed Govt’s information agency on conflict management. |
| 2001- 2002 | Abuja | Federal 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. |
| Year | Location | Donor | Project | Description |
| 2001 | Lagos | Search 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. |
| 2001 | Bayelsa State | Shell SPDC | Community Engagement Plan | Developed a Community Engagement Plan for a new gas gathering project, extensive site visits. |
| 2000 | Benue 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 | USAID | Conflict Management Training in Local Governments | Conducted conflict management training for key stakeholders in 15 local governments with recent violent conflicts. |
| 1999 – 2000 | Lagos | Lagos 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 | Bonny | NLNG | Training of staff | Trained all members of NLNG staff in cross cultural education and conflict management. |
| 1998 – 2000 | Lagos | USIS | Conflict Analysis and Management | Trained Nigerian journalists and media executive from around the country; established the Journalists’ Network for Peace. |
| 1998 – 1999 | Niger Delta | Shell | SPDC Youth for a Change project | Studied youth empowerment and social development in 7 communities. |
| Year | Location | Donor | Project | Description |
| 1998 | Bonny | NLNG | Youth 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 | USAID | Peace 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. |
| Year | Location | Donor | Project | Description |
| 1995- 1997 | Nationwide in Nigeria | British 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. |
| 1993 | Ota | Gen. 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-funded | Peace education in schools | Conducted initial peace education training in primary and secondary schools on a voluntary basis. |