TRANSFORMING SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH CAPACITY BUILDING IN POST CONFLICT AREAS OF SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
Abstract
This article examines the role of capacity building in transforming fractured social relationships and fostering sustainable development in post-conflict Southeast Nigeria, a region enduring long-term socio-economic and political marginalization following the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Drawing on interdisciplinary frameworks from development studies, sociology, and peacebuilding, the study explores how targeted capacity-building initiatives, including skills development, institutional strengthening, and participatory governance, address systemic inequities and rebuild trust in communities scared by conflict. Through qualitative analysis of case studies, policy reviews, and stakeholder interviews, the article highlights how programs such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and grassroots NGO interventions have sought to empower marginalized groups, enhance community cohesion, and restore agency among Igbo-majority populations. However, the study also critiques top-down approaches that risk perpetuating dependency or ignoring local cultural contexts. Findings reveal that sustainable transformation hinges on inclusive strategies that prioritize local ownership, integrate trauma-informed practices, and redress historical grievances linked to post-war policies like the “Abandoned Property” decree. By bridging individual empowerment with structural reforms, the article argues that capacity building can catalyze resilient social relationships, enabling Southeast Nigeria to transition from survival to collective thriving. This research contributes to broader discourses on post-conflict recovery, recommending the interdependence of social capital, equitable resource distribution, and participatory justice in healing divided societies.
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