From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The European Union (EU) has expressed commitment to collaborative measures aimed at promoting inclusive security initiatives to address the root causes of violence and criminality in communities within the oil rich Niger Delta region.
EU restated this commitment in Asaba, Delta State, during the launch of its community-based peace architecture tagged: ‘Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta’.
The project is being implemented in conjunction with Search for Common Grounds, across communities in Delta State.
Country Director, Search for Common Ground, Fatima Abubakar, noted that the project marked another milestone in collaborative endeavors to promote inclusive community security approaches and address the root causes of violence and criminality in the Niger Delta.
“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.
“Consequently, Search designs its projects to collaborate with local and international partners to spearhead impactful initiatives aimed at mitigating violence and building resilience in communities across the Niger Delta.
“One such notable initiative 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.
“In Delta State, the project left a lasting impact in Warri South and Warri North local government areas through innovative approaches like community reintegration, radio drama, community radio, and trauma healing.
“Through the project, infrastructural interventions such as the construction of internal roads and community radio stations were built in Koko and Oporoza communities,” Abubakar recalled.
Abubakar called on all stakeholders to seize the opportunity to build a resilient and peaceful Delta State, setting an example for sustainable development and community-driven transformation.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who was represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, pledged that the state government will continue to collaborate with various initiatives geared towards sustainable peace building and development in the region.