From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has restated his commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Bayelsa.
Diri spoke at the inauguration of a community-centred project aimed at curbing criminality in Bayelsa by the European Union through the civil society group, Search for Common Ground.
The community-centred project funded by the European Union and implemented by the Search for Common Ground and a consortium of partners would run for 18 months in 66 communities and 33 local government areas in Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta states.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Ekuewei, during the inauguration at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, said sustainable peace in the area could only be achieved through community engagement.
According to him, the European Union had consistently shown a commitment to promoting peace, stability and sustainable development across the globe.
He said Bayelsa was open to partnerships that would transform the fortunes of the state and the Niger Delta region for peace and development.
“European Union has consistently shown commitment to promoting peace, stability and sustainability across the globe.
“Curbing criminality and violence in the Niger Delta is an arduous task that requires collective efforts of all stakeholders. I call on every member of our society create the spirit of unity and understanding as we work towards a prosperous state
“I call on other development partners to follow the example of the European union. They are doing commendable projects like this in Bayelsa State. I assure you we would continue to work diligently to create a conducive environment for investment and other activities that would stimulate growth.”
Country Director of Search for Common Ground, Fatima Abubakar, who noted that building on past initiatives aimed at mitigating violence in communities across the region, said the current project signifies a renewed commitment to the vision of a peaceful Niger Delta.
In a presentation, Senior Regional Manager, West Africa in charge of Nigeria Cameroon and Chad, Bryan Weiner, said the organisation had since 2004 implemented various peace building programmes across the country.
Also, Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, declared violence and criminality in the Niger Delta region are direct consequences of crude oil theft.
According to him, if the European Union is desirous of a peaceful Niger Delta region, it must bar its members state from being buyers of crude oil stolen from the Niger Delta.