Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has inaugurated two projects implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and funded by the German government. The projects, located in the Otuan community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, consist of a police station outpost, a youth development center, and a cassava processing factory.
Governor Diri praised the German government and UNODC for their collaboration and support in crime prevention and community development. He highlighted the positive results achieved through the partnership between the state government and international development partners. The governor instructed the Ministry of Education to renovate dilapidated primary school buildings in the community and supply additional furniture. 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 area. Additionally, he called for the recruitment of more qualified personnel to enhance community policing through the State Community Safety Corps.
German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, emphasized the importance of bringing communities together and developing strategies to combat crime. She highlighted that the youth center would engage young people in sports and skills acquisition to prevent substance abuse and crime.
UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Stolpe, explained that the projects would empower beneficiaries, change mindsets, and help address security challenges. He urged the Bayelsa government to collaborate with UNODC, other international development partners, and the Niger Delta Development Commission for sustainable development in the state.
Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rumokere Ibani, sought the cooperation of communities in the fight against sea piracy, kidnapping, and other crimes.
Chief Victor Perebi, speaking on behalf of the community, expressed gratitude to the German government and UNODC for their initiatives. He noted the significant impact the projects and programs would have on Otuan and neighboring communities, mentioning the long-awaited functional police post provided by UNODC. Perebi also highlighted that the youth development center would teach skills such as sports, hairstyling, detergent-making, and bead-making.
