By Philemon Amos
Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri, Inaugurates German-Funded UN Projects
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has officially inaugurated two projects implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and financed by the German government.
The projects, located in Otuan community within the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, include a police station outpost, a youth development center, and a cassava processing factory.
Governor Diri praised the German government and the UNODC for their support in facilitating these projects, emphasizing the significance of their partnership in crime prevention and community development efforts.
He highlighted that these projects exemplify the fruitful collaboration between the state government and international development partners.
Furthermore, Governor Diri instructed the Ministry of Education to renovate dilapidated primary school buildings in the community and supply additional furniture to enhance the learning environment.
He also approved the expansion of the state-owned garri processing center, the construction of access roads, and the installation of more solar lights in the community.
Additionally, the governor directed the management of the State Community Safety Corps to recruit more qualified personnel to strengthen community policing efforts.
German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, expressed the importance of fostering community cohesion and developing strategies to combat crime, emphasizing the significance of positive relationships between communities and security forces.Gunther noted that the youth centre would engage young people in sports and skills acquisition to prevent them from substance abuse and crime.
Also speaking at the inauguration, UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Oliver Stolpe, said the projects would empower beneficiaries by changing their mind sets and assist them in addressing security challenges.
He charged Bayelsa government to engage the UNODC, other international development partners and the Niger Delta Development Commission, to ensure sustainable development of the state.Speaking at the event, Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa, Mr Rumokere Ibani, solicited the cooperation of communities in the fight against sea piracy, kidnapping and other crimes.
Presenting an address on behalf of the community, Chief Victor Perebi, said the projects and programmes instituted by the German government and the UNODC would have far-reaching impact on Otuan and neighbouring communities.
He noted that Otuan was without a functional police post for more than a decade until UNODC provided one.
Perebi expressed gratitude to the German government for the gesture and said the youth development centre would teach youths sporting skills, hair-styling, detergent-making and bead-making.