EU, RSG Launch Strategy To Transform Criminality, Violence In Rivers

A community-focused project sponsored by the European Union tagged, ‘Community-Centred Approach to Transforming Criminality in the Niger Delta,’ has been launched in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The project, which would be implemented by a consortium of four non-governmental organisations, comprising Search for Common Ground, PIND, SDN and AAPW, would run for 18 months across 13 local government areas of the state.
Launching the project yesterday, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, reiterated that the key objective of the project, which is to foster inclusive community approach to address the systemic drivers of violence and criminality, resonate with his administration’s vision.
The governor, represented by Commissioner for Youths Development, Dr. Chisom Gbali, maintained that the project would inevitably empower community actors to address issues of social exclusion, lack of economic opportunities, and environmental degradation.
He emphasized that the project would, “strengthen collaboration amongst communities, security actors and the private sector around preventing and responding to triggers and core drivers of violence and criminality.
“Foster multi-level dialogue between communities, civil society actors, and government officials in Nigeria and abroad that informs policy development.”
According to him, “This is a laudable initiative and we are optimistic that the project will realize its objectives by transforming and channelling the budding energies of our youths into positive ventures that will be beneficial to all.”
In her remarks, the Country Director, Search for Common Grounds, Mrs Fatima Madaki Abubakar, thanked Fubara for supporting the initiative and accepting the project’s establishment in the state.
She noted that the project was being implemented in the three Niger Delta states of Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa, comprising 33 LGAs and 66 communities.
On his part, Rivers State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mr. Joseph Johnson, encouraged Rivers people to embrace the project implementing partners when they approach their communities “because it serves better alternative to crime and violence.”
The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice, Simeon Amadi; and the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Sergeant Awuse; gave goodwill messages at the event.