CEPEJ Leads Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo Peace Walk in Warri, Mulade Calls for Delta’s Industrialisation
By Tessy Ogbemi
In a renewed push for lasting peace and economic revival in Delta State, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) on Tuesday facilitated a historic peace rally in Warri, bringing together the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic nationalities, as its National Coordinator, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, urged governments to prioritise industrialisation as a pathway to youth employment and sustainable development.
The rally, tagged “Warri Walk for Peace,” held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, attracted a broad coalition of civil society organisations, traditional and community leaders, youth groups and women associations from across Delta State. Participants converged at the Okumagba Estate Roundabout in Warri South Local Government Area before embarking on a symbolic peace walk across key parts of the Warri Federal Constituency.
Marchers were seen carrying placards with messages such as “Say No to Violence,” “Warri Says No to Ethnic Crisis,” and “We Are One,” underscoring a collective resolve to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among the three ethnic groups.
Leading the procession, Mulade Sheriff described the rally as a public affirmation of the shared commitment of Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo people to peace, development and progress. He stressed that sustained peace must be matched with deliberate economic policies that create jobs, particularly for youths.
According to him, the industrialisation of Delta State remains critical, especially through the revitalisation of the Warri, Koko, Burutu and Sapele seaports, as well as the full operationalisation of the Forcados and Escravos oil terminals.
“By this walk, the people of Warri Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo have unanimously agreed that what we need is peace, development and progress,” Mulade said. “We embarked on this walk to assure residents and stakeholders that peace has returned to Warri, and that government should now take advantage of this atmosphere to deliver the development the people desire.”
He recalled that tensions had arisen in recent months over issues surrounding federal ward delineation, noting that sustained engagements by the Delta State Government, security agencies and peace-building organisations such as CEPEJ helped to douse tensions.
“After several engagements with stakeholders, everyone has agreed that peace is non-negotiable. This walk is to demonstrate clearly that peace has returned, and government must seize this opportunity to do the needful,” he added.
The peace walk cut across major ethnic corridors in the city, starting from the Urhobo-dominated Okumagba Estate, moving through Itsekiri areas including Ajamimogha and Ugbori, extending to the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Expressway, and proceeding to the Ijaw-dominated Main Market axis. The rally further passed through Igbo Market, Okere Road and Esisi Road, before terminating near the police station area.
Mulade emphasised that peace remains the strongest magnet for development, noting that Delta State is strategically positioned with four seaports and two major oil terminals capable of transforming the state into a major employment hub if fully functional.
“Delta State is blessed with the Warri, Koko, Burutu and Sapele seaports, as well as the Forcados and Escravos oil terminals. If these facilities operate at full capacity, unemployment will drastically reduce,” he said, appealing to both the federal and state governments to leverage the prevailing peace to drive economic growth in Warri and its environs.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly bridge construction across the state, but stressed that industrialisation should take precedence to address youth unemployment.
“While infrastructure development is welcome, industrialisation is more important. When youths are meaningfully engaged, they will not be drawn into crisis or used by political actors,” Mulade said.
He concluded with a stern warning to individuals and groups who profit from ethnic tension, urging them to redirect their resources towards productive investments that promote unity and economic prosperity.
“Those investing in crisis should desist and instead invest in industrial growth. Engaging our youths productively is the surest way to end ethnic conflict and secure lasting peace in Warri,” he said.
