Search for Common Ground (SFCG), consortium partners – Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), Academic Associate Peace Works (AAPW), and Partnership Initiative for the Niger Delta (PIND) with funding support from the European Union (EU) have launched “A Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta” project.
The Country Director of SFCG Nigeria, Fatima Abubakar, at the launch of the project in Abuja on Thursday, explained that the launch signifies a renewed commitment to the vision of a peaceful Niger Delta, drawing inspiration from past successes and the resilient spirit of the communities
She further explained that the project closely aligns with relevant state, regional and national initiatives aimed at addressing conflicts and criminality in the region.
According to her, at the state level, the project closely aligns with the various state government’s economic and peace building programmes.
“As we officially launch this project, let us see it as an opportunity to build a resilient and peaceful Niger Delta, setting an example for sustainable development and community-driven transformation.
“Today, we have the opportunity to empower our youths and women to be part of the development structure of the region and create alternative incentives where violence and criminality will no longer dominate the headlines of the Niger Delta.
She said prior to this National launch, Search and the Consortium partners successfully launched the the project in Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta States, where the respective state governments demonstrated their commitment to promoting inclusive community security approaches and addressing the root causes of violence and criminality in the region.
“This moment marks a noteworthy milestone in our collaborative endeavors to promote inclusive community security approaches and address the root causes of violence and criminality in the Niger Delta,” she said.
Also, the Senior Regional Manager West Africa, Search for Common Ground, Bryan Weiner said the launch is a community centred approach to transforming environments in the Niger Delta and bring recognition to these four leading development organisations that are coming together to propose an authentic narrative to the region for sustainable development.
He said ” Search for Common Ground and its associates which are the four organisations will come together to implement it.
“We all know that we cannot address the structural problems of the region but what we can do is to highlight a paradigm shift in the theory of change that can convince the local population on alternatives.
“While engaging in this space, our interest is to see Nigeria achieving her status as the giant of Africa and bring resources to the table so that the Nigerian populace can benefit from it,” he said.
Also, the Special Assistant to Minister, Niger Delta Development Commission representing the Minister, James Khanoba said it is their hope that this project will serve as a compass guiding them to a more holistic understanding and the challenges we face, the potential package to suitable solutions.
He said the Niger Delta with it breathtaking landscape and vast resources is undeniably a region of immense promises, however this promise has been over shadowed by the persistent issues of criminality and violence impeding the growth and prosperity our people rightfully deserves .
He said today’s event is a testament to our unwavering commitment to address these challenges and urged that we keep in mind the human dimension of our efforts .
He said this project should reflect our commitment to improving the quality of life for every citizens of Niger Delta.
The DG Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Dr Joseph Ochonogwu said the investment of the European Union (EU) in the region is apt and ” I can assure you that together we are going to build a wall of difference”.
He said IPCR is the apex think-tank as well as intervention agency of the federal government of Nigeria in the area of conflict prevention , management and resolution does this through collaborative partnership and engagement with other stakeholders.
