The European Union (EU) has supported Search for Common Ground (Search) and other partners to inaugurate the “Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta” project.

The implementation consortium partners include Search, Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), Academic Associate Peace Works (AAPW) and Partnership Initiative for the Niger Delta (PIND).

The Country Director of Search Nigeria, Fatima Abubakar, made this known at the national inauguration of the project on Thursday in Abuja.

Abubakar said that the inauguration of the project signified a renewed commitment to the vision of a peaceful Niger Delta, drawing inspiration from past successes and the resilient spirit of the communities we serve.

She said that Search had successfully launched the project in Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta States.

She added that the moment marked a noteworthy milestone in the organisation’s collaborative endeavours to promote inclusive community security approaches and address the root causes of violence and criminality in the Niger Delta.

“The project closely aligns with relevant state, regional and national initiatives aimed at addressing conflicts and criminality in the region.

“At the state level, the project closely aligns with the various state government’s economic and peace building programmes.

“On the national frontier, while the project actively complements the efforts of the Ministry of Niger Delta in addressing socio-economic grievances, the unique collaboration with the Ministry has further strengthened the project’s sustainability prospects.

“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. ”

Abubakar said that the project was an opportunity to empower the youth and women to be part of the development structure of the region.

He added that the project would also create alternative incentives where violence and criminality would no longer dominate the headlines of the Niger Delta.

The EU representative, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation, Zissimos Vergos, said the project would  help to propose an authentic narrative to the region for sustainable development.

“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 populace 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 Nigerians can benefit.

“The project will help to promote inclusion. What we know from our societies is that inclusive societies do better and the project will help is to achieve it.

“We ask for the commitment of government and stakeholders to make it happen,” he said

The Senior Regional Manager West Africa, Search for Common Ground, Bryan Weiner said the project was a community centred approach to transforming environments in the Niger Delta.

Weiner added that it would bring recognition to the four leading development organisations coming together to propose an authentic narrative to the region for sustainable development.

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, expressed hope that the project would serve as a compass guiding towards a more holistic understanding of the challenges in the region.

Momoh, represented by his Special Assistant, James Khanoba,  said that it would also be a potential package towards sustainable solutions.

He said the Niger Delta with its breath-taking landscape and vast resources was undeniably a region of immense promises.

He, however, added that the promise had been over shadowed by the persistent issues of criminality and violence impeding the growth and prosperity our people rightfully deserves.

According to him, the project is a testament to the unwavering commitment to address these challenges keeping in mind the human dimensions.

The Director General, Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr Joseph Ochonogwu, said the investment of the European Union (EU) in the region was apt, adding that the collaborative effort would help in building a wall of difference.

“IPCR as 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.”

Ochogwu assured the stakeholders of the institute’s support to make the dream of the Niger Delta come through