The European Union has unveiled plans to invest in 60 communities across three Niger Delta states as part of efforts to combat violence in the region, announced Fatima Abubakar, Country Director of Search for Common Ground, during the official launch of the project titled ‘A Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta’ in Asaba.
Abubakar emphasized the project’s significance in addressing systemic drivers of violence and criminality, highlighting its aim to foster inclusive community security approaches and build resilience in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
“We will invest in 24 communities across 12 local government areas in Delta State and extend our efforts to encompass 26 communities in 13 local government areas in Rivers State, including Bayelsa State,” Abubakar stated, underscoring the project’s broad reach and targeted impact.
Recognizing the region’s complex history, challenges, and conflict dynamics, Search for Common Ground collaborates with local and international partners to spearhead impactful initiatives aimed at mitigating violence and fostering resilience in Niger Delta communities.
Abubakar urged all stakeholders to seize the opportunity to promote peace and resilience, setting the stage for sustainable development and community-driven transformation in Delta State.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori applauded the European Union for its commitment to addressing violence in the Niger Delta, expressing gratitude for the resources allocated to the initiative.
Deputizing for the governor, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme hailed the project as a significant human capital development effort, stressing the importance of fair, transparent, and accountable management to inspire hope and foster behavioral change among the populace.
The ‘bottom-up, inclusive, and community-centered approach’ of the project holds promise for instilling a sense of belonging and driving positive change, underscoring the responsibility of project managers to uphold integrity and diligence in their roles.