By Nelson Utip
In a bid to curb violence in the Niger Delta Region, The European Union EU recently unveiled plans to invest in 24 communities of 12 local councils in Delta State, spanning 26 communities across 13 local councils in Rivers and Bayelsa States , this is aimed at fostering inclusive community security approaches to addressing the frequent cases of violence, criminality and building a resilience in the oil rich Niger Delta region.
The Country Director, Search for Common Ground, Fatima Abubakar, The Director, Search for Common Ground in Nigeria, Fatima Abubakar stated this in Asaba, at the official launch of the European Union funded project titled: ‘A Community-Centred Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta.’
She noted that the project, which marks a noteworthy milestone in its collaborative endeavours to promote inclusive community security approaches, was to address the root causes of violence and criminality in the region.
“We are abreast of the local context of the region, its history, challenges and conflict dynamics that have shaped the current political, economic and social landscape of the region.”Abubakar said.
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The projects are designed to collaborate with local and international partners to spearhead impactful initiatives aimed at curbbing violence and building resilience in communities across the Niger Delta.
“One of such notable initiatives was the ‘Tomorrow is a New Day’ project, implemented from 2013 to 2015 with funding from the European Union. This violence-reduction project contributed to stability in the Niger Delta, facilitating the peaceful reintegration of ex-militants and promoting community reconciliation.” She continued.
The Director urged stakeholders to use the opportunity offered by the initiative to build a resilient and peaceful Delta State, which will be an example for sustainable development and community-driven transformation.
