In response to rising incidence of crime, violence, and conflicts in the Niger Delta, a coalition of three Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), Stakeholder Democratic Network, and Search for Common Ground, had inaugurated a Local Government Peace Building Committee for Yenagoa Local Government Area in Bayelsa State.
Governor Diri champions sports as a tool for unity and youth empowerment
The initiative aims to promote lasting peace in Yenagoa and the broader Niger Delta region.
NCDMB bolsters “Nigeria First” policy, revitalises N50bn Community Fund to drive local content in oil and gas
The programme, funded by the European Union under the Community-Centred Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta, seeks to address social vices and foster sustainable peace.
Just in: Peter Obi formally dumps Labour party for ADC
Speaking at the event, PIND Programme Coordinator Faith Etukudo encouraged the 25-member committee, comprising credible community representatives, youths, women, and security agencies, to challenge national policies that fail to reach local communities.
He urged them to engage stakeholders involved in drug abuse and other vices, advocating for sensitization and accountability.
“We expect the committee to question why national policies and laws aren’t reaching communities and to identify issues needing policy or institutional changes.
“They should influence activities like drug abuse, map out what’s gone wrong, and ensure culprits face prosecution.”
Representing the Yenagoa Local Government Chairman, Gesiye Obireke, Special Adviser on Political Matters, praised community leaders and stakeholders for their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
He noted that while peace-building is not new, sustaining peace remains a challenge.
Committee Chairman Debewari Tarila, also the Secretary of Yenagoa LGA, emphasized the need for intensified community-level sensitization on the dangers of crime, particularly drug abuse.
He called for collaboration among stakeholders and urged parents to take their responsibilities seriously. “If we pool our resources, we’ll make an impact. Continuous sensitization and financial resources are crucial to tackle insecurity driven by issues like drug abuse,” Tarila said.
He stressed that community leaders and parents must actively discourage social vices, including internet fraud, which some parents inadvertently enable.
The Women Leader of Nedugo Agbia Community, Mrs.Seiyefa Otuogha underscored the importance of persistent parental guidance.
“Parents must never give up on their children. Follow them up and do what’s necessary, because losing a child is a great loss,” she said.
The committee plans to extend its efforts to communities across Yenagoa, aiming to reduce insecurity through sustained awareness and collective action.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
