Reported by: Althiea .P | Edited by: Bornet .k
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, has praised the Bayelsa State Government's Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme, describing it as a major contributor to the reduction of crime across the state through youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
The commendation was conveyed during an official visit by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Bayelsa State Police Command to the office of the Special Adviser to Governor Douye Diri on Entrepreneurship Development. According to a statement released by the Special Adviser on Friday, the PPRO said he had been directed by the Commissioner of Police to personally deliver the message of appreciation in recognition of the programme's positive impact.
CP Edebor noted that the Douye Diri Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme has created meaningful opportunities for young people by equipping them with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills. He said the initiative has helped many youths become self-reliant, reducing their vulnerability to criminal activities and contributing to improved public safety across Bayelsa State.
"The work your office is doing in promoting entrepreneurship development through the Douye Diri Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Programme is commendable," the police commissioner said. "The positive impact of the programme is evident across Bayelsa State, as it has helped reduce crime by equipping youths with practical skills, creating opportunities for self-reliance and taking many young people off the streets."
The police chief also applauded Governor Douye Diri for placing youth empowerment at the centre of his administration's development agenda. He described the governor's investment in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship as a visionary approach that not only promotes economic growth but also strengthens security by addressing some of the root causes of crime, including unemployment and poverty.
Across Nigeria, youth unemployment has long been identified by security experts as one of the factors contributing to rising criminal activities, including cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, cybercrime and drug-related offences. Several state governments have increasingly adopted vocational training, business support and entrepreneurship initiatives as part of broader efforts to provide sustainable livelihoods for young people while enhancing public security.
Bayelsa State has, in recent years, expanded its investment in entrepreneurship development through training programmes, business support schemes and empowerment initiatives aimed at helping participants establish small and medium-sized enterprises. The programmes are designed to equip beneficiaries with practical skills in various trades while providing mentorship and support for business development.
Responding to the commendation, the Special Adviser to Governor Diri on Entrepreneurship Development expressed gratitude to the Commissioner of Police, describing the recognition as a significant encouragement for his office and the staff working to implement the government's empowerment initiatives.
"I am sincerely grateful to the Commissioner of Police for this great honour and for sending the Police Public Relations Officer to personally deliver this encouraging message," he said. "It is a reminder that you may not always know who is watching your work, but dedication, commitment and genuine service will always speak for themselves."
He added that the recognition belonged not only to him but also to every member of his team whose commitment has contributed to improving the lives of residents across the state.
"This recognition is not just an encouragement to me but to everyone in my office, whose commitment and hard work continue to make a positive impact on the lives of Bayelsans," he said. "I remain dedicated to supporting the vision of Governor Douye Diri by creating opportunities that empower our people, promote self-reliance and contribute to lasting peace and sustainable development in Bayelsa State."
The statement further disclosed that the Bayelsa State Police Command pledged its full collaboration with the office responsible for entrepreneurship development. According to the statement, the command reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that use skills acquisition and economic empowerment as tools for promoting peace, strengthening security and driving sustainable economic development.
The endorsement by the police comes as governments at both state and federal levels continue to explore non-kinetic approaches to tackling insecurity by addressing the social and economic challenges that often expose young people to criminal networks. Security analysts have repeatedly argued that alongside effective law enforcement, sustained investments in education, vocational training, job creation and entrepreneurship are essential for achieving long-term reductions in crime.
Officials involved in the Bayelsa programme say empowering young people with employable skills not only creates new economic opportunities but also fosters social stability, encourages innovation and supports community development. They maintain that continued collaboration between government institutions, security agencies and private sector stakeholders will be crucial in expanding the programme's reach and ensuring its long-term success.
The latest commendation from the state's police leadership highlights growing recognition of the role economic empowerment can play in strengthening public security, while reinforcing the Bayelsa government's efforts to promote entrepreneurship as a pathway to sustainable development, youth inclusion and lasting peace.
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