PATRICK ABANG, Calabar –
A Non Governmental Organization (NGO), LITE Africa with financial support from European Union through ECOWAS management of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria (SALW Action), have commissioned three projects in Bakassi LGA and Calabar Municipal Council Cross River State.
Among the projects includes – a town council hall at Ikot Nkese community and a motorized borehole drilled at Akpap Okon Ene Ita, Bakassi LGA of the state.
The third project which includes a 40ft armoury tent (arms storage facility) is donated to the state’s NDLEA command, which would enhance the effective performance of its personnel.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the projects waere Implemented by The Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa) and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) with support from the EU through ECOWAS.
Commissioning the projects, Manager Finance/Admin, LITE-AFRICA, Joel Bisina, noted that projects which is an initiative of management of SALW Action, are micro projects donated to boost development and bring sustainable peace in the land.
He said the projects would assist in the prevention of illicit trafficking and flow of arms to enhance community security and peace in border communities in the country.
The manager noted that there was provision for training of one hundred and fifty livelihood beneficiaries in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
He stressed that over 50 restive youths (ex-militants), have so far been trained and empowered with start-up packs in various trades to enable beneficiaries kick-start their Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) so that they can become self reliant for sustainable peace in the communities.
Earlier, in his remarks after commissioning the community’s town hall and mini water scheme projects, The Village Head for Akpap Okon Ene Ita, Chief Efiom Ita, who spoke on behalf of his community, expressed happiness for the project execution and thanked Lite -Africa for the projects.
He appealed to the organization to visit the community again with electricity project to raise the standard of living in the area.
Also in his good will message, Zonal commander 14, NDLEA, Mrs. Anthonia Edem, who lauded the EU/ECOWAS for the project, urged the two international organizations to join hands with NDLEA in the fight towards putting an end in drug trafficking.
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