UN, Bayelsa, Denmark Launch New Project to Strengthen Niger Delta Peace Architecture

By: Michael Mike

A new project to strengthen the Niger Delta Peace Architecture was launched in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State on Wednesday.

Joining the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, to launch the project are the Ambassador of Denmark, Sune Krogstrup and Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr. Oliver Stolpe.

The project aims to support the Government and communities in the implementation of the 2022 Bayelsa State Community-Based Crime Prevention Strategy.

According to a statement, the project will be implemented in five communities across Bayelsa State empowering them through joint security committees to manage their security environment proactively, helping to address the root causes of crime and violence and enhancing collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies building trust and fostering lasting partnerships.

The statement said the new project builds on a successfully implemented first phase which, with funding from the Government of Germany, was implemented between 2021 and 2023 and helped the Government of Bayelsa State to develop the Community Based Crime Prevention Strategy and supported its implementation in the communities of Otuan, Ikeberi 1 and Ayamasa.

Specific interventions included the refurbishment of police stations, the redeployment of police officers and their training on community-oriented policing.

The project also established youth centres and introduced Line Up Live Up, a sports-based youth crime prevention programme now being delivered by sport coaches across the three communities. Further investments were made into economic empowerment initiatives, such as a Garri processing plants and solar powered streetlights.

Diri, while welcoming the new project, stated that: “The collaborative effort with the German Government and UNODC has demonstrably improved security in Bayelsa State and we are confident that the new project, funded by the Government of Denmark, will build upon this success and further strengthen peace and security across the Niger Delta.”

Ambassador Sune Krogstrup said “Community-based crime prevention is a cornerstone of effective security strategies. We are proud to partner with the Bayelsa State government and UNODC to empower communities and promote lasting peace.”

On the occasion of the project launch, Governor Douye Diri also welcomed a delegation of ambassadors and high-level representatives of the Governments of Finland, Germany and the European Union.

The visiting delegation joined the meeting of the BRACED Commission, attended by the Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States and chaired by HE Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

They discussed developmental and security challenges in the Niger Delta and identified opportunities for the international community to cooperate with the Governments of the Niger Delta in addressing these challenges, including through the possible expansion of the community- based crime prevention approach successfully tested in Bayelsa State.

UN, Bayelsa, Denmark Launch New Project to Strengthen Niger Delta Peace Architecture

Nigeria, Japan to deepen bilateral relations, to strengthen security, economic ties

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Japan on Tuesday agreed to deepen bilateral relations between both countries.

The agreement was reached during the visit of Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Kamikawa Yoko to Nigeria.

Nigeria is the first country, sub-Sahara Africa that Yoko will be visiting sincer her appointment as Foreign Minister late last year.

Speaking after a closed door meeting with his Japanese counterpart, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Tuggar said they discuss various issues bothering on economy, security amongst others.

He disclosed at a joint press conference, that both parties agreed on the need to increase trade volume between both countries.

He said: “We held fruitful and open discussions on topical issues that are of importance to our bilateral relations including economic cooperation, collaboration in international affairs, the crisis in the Sahel region as well as other regional issues.

“During our discussions, Ms. Yoko and I agreed that although Nigeria and Japan enjoy robust economic relations, there is need for engagements in that regard in order to increase the volume of trade between both countries. We discussed the opportunities for investment in the Nigerian market, particularly in areas of Manufacturing, digital technology, solid minerals and capacity building. Both sides have agreed to leverage on the outcomes of this meeting towards ensuring deeper economic collaborations.

“We talked about cooperation with Japan to address the root cause of terrorism and instability in the Sahel region as well, as the issue of Boko Haram in North Eastern Nigeria. We agreed on the crucial need for all stakeholders to shore up efforts towards combatting the ugly menace of terrorism within the region. On her part, the Japanese Foreign Minister has assured of the continued support of her government towards ending the crisis within the regions.

“Other issues bordered on cooperation between Nigeria and Japan at International Fora. We shared common views regarding the much-needed reform at the United Nations Security Council, for a balanced geographical representation, the need for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation of arms as well as the need for increased advocacy for Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

“Nigeria considers Japan an important partner in bilateral, regional and global affairs. We held extensive discussions on the upcoming 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Summit in 2025, as well as the Ministerial Meeting coming up in August, this year. I have assured Minister Kamikawa of Nigeria’s continued active participation at the TICAD Summits.”

The Japanese Minister, on her part pledged her country’s support for economic amd political stability of Nigeria and other countries in gulf of Guinea.

She said: “I had a candid discussion with Minister Trudeau on strength nomic relations, support for the political and economic stability of Nigeria and other coastal countries of Gulf of Guinea and enhancements of cooperation on Africa and global issue.

“At the outset I welcome the economic relations between the two countries are being dynamically strengthened, powered and achievements of virtuous cycle in which both economies can grow together, including the recent expansion of the investment for startups and from venture capital and arrangements or new developing cooperation in the areas of food security and health.

“Futher, we shared a view to deepen our cooperation to link Japanese financial resources and technology with Nigeria’s vitality and to create a virtuous circle in which both countries businesses and economies can grow together.

“With regard to supporting the political and economic stability of Nigeria and other coastal countries of Gulf of Guniea, I explained that Japan attaches great importance to the stability of Northeast Region of Nigeria and has been improved with providing assistance to communities and displaced persons.

“Also, I shared the recognition with the minister to the both countries are concerned about the prolonged instability in the Sahel region, and that it is important to contribute to peace and stability of the Sahel region and coastal countries of Gulf of Guinea and to promote their sustainable growth.

“On strengthening cooperation in Africa and global issues, we share the view on enhancement of cooperation in international arena. Including disarmament and the WTF.

“Especially with regard to WPF. We also share the view to further strengthen cooperation in the field of the WPS with Nigeria. We’re many women in the octave through Japanese efforts which we would incorporate perspective of the WTF if you guys didn’t know give us

“In the lead up to the ticket Minister meeting in August this year and ticket nine in August next year? It’s just how will futher and runs our partnership with Nigeria, an important partner in CO creating and developing solutions to Africa and global challenges?”

The Japanese Minister, who also paid a visit on the United Nations Women promised his country’s continued support for the activities of the organisation especially interventions in the North East of Nigeria.

The Country Representative of UN Women in Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong thanked her for the visit, acknowledging the support of Japan in the activities of UN Women.

Nigeria, Japan to deepen bilateral relations, to strengthen security, economic ties

Army troops quell communal violence in Southern Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN on Tuesday quell communal violence in Kaura LGA in Southern Kaduna.

It was gathered that the troops while on patrol in Southern Kaduna received a distress call about tension in Kaura LGA where it was alleged that the locals were mobilising to attack a neighboring community.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops rushed to the area and recovered 9 rifles and 50 cartridges rounds while bringing the situation under control.

The sources said that monitoring continues as the situation remained fluid.

Army troops quell communal violence in Southern Kaduna