By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

Search for Common Ground, SFCG, in partnership with Stakeholder Democracy Network, SDN, Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta, PIND, and Academic Associates Peace Works, AAPW, has commenced a community mobilization exercise aimed at strengthening peace architectures across 66 communities in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking on Monday during an advocacy visit to the Chairman of Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom HRM Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, the SFCG Head of Programme Implementation-Niger Delta, Mr. Yacinthe Agbdjagan described the remobilization exercise as a pivotal component of the EU funded project titled: “A Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Violence and Conflict in the Niger Delta,” to be implemented by the consortium.

Agbadjagan said: “As part of the project’s implementation strategy the consortium is undertaking the remobilization activity to reinforce the overreaching goal of fostering inclusive community security approaches in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States.

“The remobilization exercise seeks to catalyze dialogue and collaboration between community-level actors and security agencies, fostering trust, sharing knowledge and enhancing responsiveness to community needs.

“The exercise will feature dynamic discussions, dialogue session and action planning among community stakeholders. It is also aimed at ensuring enduring sustainability, effectiveness and peace-building efforts beyond the project’s lifespan.”

In his remarks, King Dakolo expressed his support and that of his people to the actualization of the project and urged the consortium to focus on the root causes of criminality and violence in the Niger Delta rather than treating the symptoms.

According to the monarch, to achieve the desired results, the issues of the Niger Delta must be internalized and interrogated.