The European Union (EU), on Friday, launched an initiative, ”a community-centred approach to eradicating criminality and violence” in Delta.

The initiative is an 18- month project implemented by a consortium of partners -Academic Associate Peace Work (AAPW), Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN), Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND) and Search for Common Ground as the lead organisation.

The project is aimed at fostering an inclusive community security approach to address the systematic drivers of violence and criminality in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers.

The programme would be implemented in 24 communities in 12 local government areas of Delta.

In her welcome address, the country director, Search for Common Ground, Fatima Abubakar, said that the project was aimed at bringing communities together and fostering collaboration with the government and security agencies to bring peace and social co-existence to Delta.

”The project we gather to launch today seeks to foster inter-community collaboration around issues of social inclusiveness, lack of economic opportunities and environmental degradation to build trust and collaboration between communities, government and security actors.

”This collaboration will foster social cohesion between divided communities both online and offline as well as facilitate policy change to institutionalise community-centred security approach at the local, state, region, national and international levels.

”As we embark on this new project, it is crucial to recognise the profound impact of collaborative peace-building efforts between partners, communities, government, security agencies and the private sector as well as the international communities,” she said.

Ms Abubakar said, ”As we officially launch this project, let us use this as an opportunity to build a resilient and peaceful Delta, setting an example for sustainable development and community-driven transformation.

”Today we have the opportunity to empower our youth and women to be part of the development structure of the State.

”Today, we have opportunity to shun violence and criminality for peaceful, development focus and progressive Delta.’’

The director said that the launching of the programme signified renewed commitment to the vision of peaceful Niger Delta.

She said that the transformation approach of Search for Common Ground and its partners were in line with Delta Government’s agenda.

In his remarks, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, commended Search for Common Ground and its partners for the initiative to assist the State government in its drive to ensure peace and security in the Niger Delta region.

The governor represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, said, ” I am pleased to note that the NGOs involved in this laudable project have a track record for creating credible platforms for global/regional cooperation, economic growth and sustainable development.

”This initiative is designed for knowledge, skills and attitudes in a very systematic manner to achieve a renewed sense of civic responsibility in the target communities through building strong and enduring intra- and inter-communities’ relationships.

”This is obviously in tandem with our goal of enhanced peace and security through youth engagement and empowerment.

“Creation of job opportunities through infrastructure renewal and a new policy thrust in our education system that prioritises skills acquisition.

”The European Union deserves commendation for making their resources available to us in this regard.

”I must thank them for their interest and willingness to invest in 24 communities in Delta, spread across 12 local government areas,’’ the governor said.

According to him, this is a huge human capital development effort and it is my expectation that those who will be entrusted with managing the different aspects of the programme will do their job with the utmost zeal, dedication and integrity.

”I am confident that the peace that we currently enjoy in the state will be greatly enhanced through this project,” he said.

Mr Oborevwori, however, reiterated the commitment of the state government to continue to partner with agencies in their quest to build effective community-based peace that would help to change the narrative in the Niger Delta region. 

(NAN)