UN, Bayelsa, Denmark Launch New Project to Strengthen Peace in N’Delta

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

A new project to strengthen the Niger Delta Peace Architecture was launched in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State yesterday.

Joining the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, to launch the project were the Ambassador of Denmark, Sune Krogstrup and Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr. Oliver Stolpe.

The project aims to support the government and communities in the implementation of the 2022 Bayelsa State Community-Based Crime Prevention Strategy.

According to a statement, the project would be implemented in five communities across Bayelsa State empowering them through joint security committees to manage their security environment proactively, helping to address the root causes of crime and violence and enhancing collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies building trust and fostering lasting partnerships.

The statement noted that the initiative builds on a successfully implemented first phase which, with funding from the Government of Germany, was implemented between 2021 and 2023, and helped the Government of Bayelsa State to develop the Community Based Crime Prevention Strategy and supported its implementation in the communities of Otuan, Ikeberi 1 and Ayamasa.

Specific interventions included the refurbishment of police stations, the redeployment of police officers and their training on community-oriented policing.

The project also established youth centres and introduced Line Up Live Up, a sports-based youth crime prevention programme now being delivered by sport coaches across the three communities. Further investments were made into economic empowerment initiatives, such as a Garri processing plants and solar powered streetlights.

Diri, while welcoming the initiative stated that: “The collaborative effort with the German Government and UNODC has demonstrably improved security in Bayelsa State and we are confident that the new project, funded by the Government of Denmark, will build upon this success and further strengthen peace and security across the Niger Delta.”

For his part, Krogstrup said, “Community-based crime prevention is a cornerstone of effective security strategies. We are proud to partner with the Bayelsa State government and UNODC to empower communities and promote lasting peace.”

On the occasion of the project launch, Diri also welcomed a delegation of ambassadors and high-level representatives of the Governments of Finland, Germany and the European Union.

The visiting delegation joined the meeting of the BRACED Commission, attended by the Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States and chaired by Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

They discussed developmental and security challenges in the Niger Delta and identified opportunities for the international community to cooperate with the Governments of the Niger Delta in addressing these challenges, including through the possible expansion of the community- based crime prevention approach successfully tested in Bayelsa State.