CEPEJ Expands Peacebuilding Awareness, Youth Engagement to Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom
By Tessy Ogbemi
The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), also known as Africa for PEACE, has extended its peacebuilding and youth engagement campaign to the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom in Delta State. The initiative, led by CEPEJ’s National Coordinator, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, Ph.D., was organized in collaboration with the Warri Peace Community Support Initiative, the Delta State Civil Society Forum, and the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom Youth Council.
The peace awareness programme, held on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, at the Ewein Townhall, Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West Local Government Area, brought together youth groups, civil society organisations, security agencies, and community stakeholders to advocate for sustainable peace.
The programme was attended by His Royal Majesty, Mobene III, the Pere Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom represented by Chief Hon. Tosiana Seibiribo, of the Ogbe-Ijoh Governing Council; the Ogbe-Ijoh Youth President, Mr. Victor Akemotubo; and top civil society leaders.
Key speakers at the event included Prof. Andrew Agboro, Chairman of the Delta State Civil Society Forum and Executive Director of One Love Development Initiative, and Ms. Nefertiti Ayo Okotie, Executive Director of Neferok Development Initiative, among others.
The resource persons emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue in resolving conflicts, fostering understanding and promoting peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups in the Warri Federal Constituency. They highlighted the crucial role of youths in restoring Warri to its former glory and driving peaceful community development.
Participants were sensitized on how peacebuilding efforts contribute to reducing crime, attracting infrastructure, and improving overall socio-economic conditions. the programme featured thought-provoking drama to illustrate the role of citizens in promoting peace, as well as training sessions, visual presentations, and cultural dance displays. These activities reinforced the event’s theme: “A Home Without Peace Is a Prison.”
The National Coordinator, Chief Sheriff Mulade, reiterated the importance of justice and unity in sustaining peace. He described Ogbe-Ijoh as a key stakeholder in Delta State’s development and stressed that conflict diverts resources away from progress.
“Warri must grow like other developing cities. Regardless of our differences, we must live together peacefully and develop together,” he said. “Ogbe-Ijoh contributes significantly to Nigeria’s development. When there is a crisis, growth stalls. We must learn to coexist.”
Mulade also proposed a coordinated peace walk and assured the Nigerian government that Delta State remains committed to peace through collaboration with civil society and security agencies.
Ogbe-Ijoh Youth President, Mr. Victor Akemotubo, praised the initiative and urged youths to take full advantage of the programme to promote unity and stability.
One of the keynote speaker, Prof. Agboro emphasized that conflict, in itself, is not harmful but becomes dangerous when mismanaged.
“Just like money does not cause conflict, but the way it is handled, poor conflict management results in violence, unrest, and instability,” he said. “Effective conflict management requires empathy, fairness, and mutual respect.”
The programme was attended by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), security experts, and other stakeholders. They encouraged continued dialogue, collaboration, and strengthened security to sustain peace in the region.
