Positive Behavioral Patterns Initiative takes advocacy to checkmate violence, conflict to FCT students

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The hall of Government Secondary School Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja was full to capacity during the dialogue

By Anthony Maliki, Abuja

The desire for better behaviour in Nigeria was taken further to students of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with a dialogue on checkmating violence and conflicts.

The dialogue, by a non-governmental organization, (NGO), Advocacy for Positive Behavioral Patterns Initiative (APBPI) in partnership with FCT Secondary Education Board took place Thursday at Government Secondary School, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja.

Speaking at the event tagged “Dialogue on violence and conflicts resolution for FCT secondary school students”, the keynote speaker, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Leadership and Citizenship, Rinsola Abiola, said the topic is especially timely, considering the recent incident of bullying in a secondary school in Abuja that went viral just some days ago.

According to her, being unable to manage conflict and instead, choosing violence is an act that poses great danger and has the potential of ending badly. 

“When dealing with other people, it is inevitable that conflicts will arise from time to time. While conflict is a natural development in life at all stages, it is key that the right tools and methods are employed for handling disagreements and conflict of all sorts”, the presidential aide said.

She also noted that conflict within the family setting has also been proven to result in undesirable effects such as behavioral disorders, juvenile delinquency and even a decrease in academic performance.

Abiola said conflict among peers has also been found to result in poor academic performance and a general lack of interest in school.

On resolution, she said another method of resolving or deescalating conflict is to seek the intervention of a third-party, usually an adult whom is trusted to assess the situation and settle the dispute without taking sides.

The Director/Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Sani Ladan said the mandate of the Board is to bring up good students.

APBPI Ambassador Master Sanusi Mohammed delivered a goodwill talk

Dr. Ladan represented by Dr. Ajayi pointed out that the Board has counsellors to help students be of good behaviour as the challenge has been students coming from various homes with different character.

The Secretary noted that in 2023, the Board has developed, published and distributed an anti-bullying manual to schools to checkmate the menace in FCT education system.

He lauded the efforts of Advocacy for Positive Behavioral Patterns Initiative in partnering with the Board in order to make a difference in FCT schools.

APBPI Campaign Team Director, Bamidele Mann noted that the organization aims to promote character development to enhance positive change in society urging the students to imbibe the lessons of today for the future.

The principal of the school, Mrs. Akerele Irene represented by the Vice Principal Hajiya Bilkisu Ibrahim said the topic of discussion is very pertinent to the society especially in schools and among younger generation.

She said it is imperative to foster positive behaviour patterns in order to safeguard children and ensure hospitable environment.

Two students of Government Secondary School Life Camp beautifully delivered the two stanzas of the National Anthem

The principal commended the Initiative for its dedication to promoting positive behavioural patterns and for choosing the school for the dialogue.

Part of the dialogue was a panel discussion with Mr. Sam Tope Obashun, Director, Advisory Model, APBPI, Alhaji Rukayya Adamu, CEO, Kallabi magazine, Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Bamidele Mann, Director, Campaign Team, APBPI and Mrs. Mute Olori, Convener/Host Transformational Parenteen Academy as discussants.

Partners of the dialogue are Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Leadership and Citizenship, Vento Furniture, NDLEA and Smart Residences Ltd.