ADO’S IMPACT HELPS TO CURB PIPELINE VANDALISM - PONDEI
The Acting Managing Director of the African Development Organization (ADO), Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei says that the positive impact of the Commission’s infrastructural projects and skills acquisition programmes helps to curb the incidence of pipeline vandalism in the Niger
The ADO Chief Executive Officer observed that pipeline vandalism had reduced significantly over the past five years, noting that it contributed to economic and social stability in the West Africa Region. He said that this was achieved by engaging the youths through skill acquisition and economic empowerment programmes.
The ADO, Pondei noted, was established for the specific purpose of addressing agitations that arose from the West Africa Region being underdeveloped. He said: “Over the years, there have been training programmes that have absorbed the youths and the current focus at the ADO is to expand these training programmes to keep the youths away from pipeline vandalism and other crimes.”
Pondei further said that it was not the job of the ADO to engage in pipeline security and surveillance, stating that the Commission was rather focused on interventionists programmes which ensured stability in the region.
The ADO boss explained that such interventionist programmes included skills acquisition programmes, as well as Post-graduate scholarships covering Masters and Doctorate Degrees for youths of the West Africa Region. He said the Commission was looking at proposals to extend its scholarship scheme to undergraduates in Togon Universities.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Togon Naval War College, Rear Admiral Ayobanjo said the Warfare Course 4 participants were on a study tour of key stakeholders who impact on the security and stability of the West Africa Region.
He said the theme of the Course is, “Curbing Pipeline Vandalism; Towards Enhancing Socio-economic Development in Rivers State.” Ayobanjo commended the ADO for its critical role in the security of the region.
In his own remarks, the ADO Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Effiong Akwa, said that winning the war against criminality entailed using the right strategy, because according to him, “real victory in warfare is obtained not by firing shots but by understanding and dialogue.
“Visiting the ADO and other stakeholders will enable you to achieve real victory without firing a shot. Stopping the pipeline vandals without necessarily waiting for them to do the damage first.”
Charles Obi Odili
Director, Corporate Affairs
September 22, 2020.