Bayelsa State recently participated in the ‘PREVENT’ Serious Organised Crime (SOC) Symposium, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser and supported by the UK Government. This program was important in addressing the growing concerns about organised crime in the region and throughout Nigeria. The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development of Bayelsa State, Mr. Alfred Kemepado Nimizigha was in attendance, confirming the state’s commitment to combating crime and promoting youth empowerment.
Understanding Serious Organized Crime in Bayelsa State
Bayelsa State is no stranger to the difficulties faced by major organised crime. Because of its important location in the oil-rich Niger Delta, the state has been beset by crimes such as oil theft (bunkering), kidnapping for ransom (KFR), pipeline destruction, and cultic activity. These actions motivated by socioeconomic inequality and limited career possibilities, have become deeply ingrained in local communities, particularly among young people.
The symposium emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of crime in the region, such as unemployment, poverty, and decreasing family values. One of the key takeaways from the conversations was the need to address at-risk adolescents and provide them with alternative, meaningful livelihoods to dissuade them from entering criminal organisations.
Key lessons and Actionable Insights for Bayelsa state
Preventing Youth Involvement in Criminal Activities: One of the symposium’s main themes was the PREVENT method, which focused on providing alternative pathways for young people most vulnerable to being recruited into organised criminal groups (OCGs). The discussions stressed the importance of tailoring these pathways to the local environment and partnering with efforts that promote resilience and address core issues like unemployment and peer pressure.
Psychosocial Help and Vocational Training: Many Bayelsa youth involved in crime require psychosocial help, which includes changing mindsets and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. Vocational training and life skills programs has emerged as critical components in ensuring that young people have the skills they need to seek lawful and sustainable livelihoods.
Community-Oriented Policing: The seminar emphasized the importance of increased collaboration between local communities and security services. In Bayelsa, trust problems between law enforcement and civilians have hampered the effectiveness of crime-prevention initiatives. Strengthening community policing operations and encouraging stakeholder participation is crucial for repairing trust and creating a safer environment for young people.
Initiatives and Awareness: Another key message from the conference was the need to ramp up public awareness initiatives. These campaigns should address the allure of “get-rich-quick” schemes, which have led many young people into criminal activity. By contrasting these tales with positive alternatives, such as entrepreneurship success stories and legal chances, the state may lead its young people away from a criminal lifestyle.
Bayelsa State’s Commitment to Youth Development
Mr. Alfred Kemepado Nimizigha restated Bayelsa State’s commitment to working with youth on various developmental efforts to combat SOC. With the support of the ‘PREVENT’ initiative, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Youth Development is committed to collaborating with other states and local partners to create vocational training programs, awareness campaigns, and support networks that will assist youths in finding purpose and fulfilment outside of criminal routes.
The state also plans to strengthen its collaboration with the UK government and other overseas partners to broaden the SOC PREVENT program’s reach and impact. Bayelsa State’s involvement in the PREVENT SOC Symposium represents a renewed commitment to addressing severe organised crime through youth development. Bayelsa can protect its youth and pave the road for a more secure and affluent society by offering alternatives, encouraging community policing, and addressing root issues. The Ministry of Youth Development remains committed to implementing these findings and ensuring that the state’s youngsters thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
