In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of violence in the Niger Delta region, the European Union (EU) has unveiled plans to allocate resources to 60 communities across three states in the region.
The announcement was made by Fatima Abubakar, the Country Director of Search for Common Ground, during the official launch of the EU-funded project titled: ‘A Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta’ held in Asaba on Friday.
Abubakar emphasized that the initiative marks a significant milestone in collaborative efforts to combat violence and crime in the area by addressing the root causes of these issues.
“We will invest in 24 communities of 12 local government areas in Delta State, spanning across 26 communities in 13 Local Government Areas in Rivers State, including Bayelsa State,” Abubakar stated.
The primary goal of the project is to foster inclusive community security approaches aimed at tackling the systemic drivers of violence and criminality while building resilience in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Acknowledging the complex local context of the region, Abubakar highlighted that Search for Common Ground tailors its projects in collaboration with local and international partners to spearhead impactful initiatives aimed at mitigating violence and fostering resilience in communities across the Niger Delta.
Furthermore, Abubakar urged all stakeholders to leverage this opportunity to cultivate a resilient and peaceful Delta State, serving as a model for sustainable development and community-driven transformation.
Echoing similar sentiments, the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed gratitude to the European Union for their commitment to providing resources for the initiative. Represented by his deputy Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori commended the EU and other stakeholders for their willingness to invest in 24 communities in the State.
“This is a significant human capital development effort, and I expect that those entrusted with managing various aspects of the program will execute their duties with utmost zeal, dedication, and integrity,” Deputy Governor Onyeme remarked.
He emphasized the importance of the project’s bottom-up, inclusive, and community-centered approach, expressing confidence that it would inspire hope, foster behavioral changes, and instill a sense of belonging among the people of Delta State.