CEPEJ Unveils 2026 Annual Strategic Work Plan, Targets Stronger Partnerships for National Impact
By Ezekiel Kagbala
A leading civil society organisation, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ-Africa), has unveiled its 2026 Annual Strategic Work Plan, outlining a robust framework for collaboration, partnerships and sustainable development across Nigeria and parts of Africa.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Africa for Peace Complex, Ugolo, near Osubi Airport, Delta State, drawing stakeholders from civil society, community leadership and development circles.
In a statement issued during the event, the Chief Executive Officer and National Coordinator of CEPEJ-Africa, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, PhD, said the 2026 work plan reflects the organisation’s renewed commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, good governance and community empowerment in alignment with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to him, the strategic plan is designed to guide structured interventions in education, environmental justice, sports development, climate action, capacity building, peacebuilding, governance and economic empowerment across several states, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Lagos, FCT-Abuja, Kano, Oyo, Niger, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, among others.
“Our goal is to promote sustainable peace, environmental justice, support education, strengthen climate resilience and foster economic empowerment through advocacy, policy engagement, capacity building and grassroots action,” Mulade stated.
He explained that the core objectives of the plan include strengthening peacebuilding and conflict prevention mechanisms at community, local and state levels; promoting environmental protection and climate awareness; enhancing citizen participation in governance; and building the capacity of youths, women and community leaders as agents of positive change.
Key Programmes in 2026 Plan
Mulade disclosed that the 2026 strategy will be driven by high-impact programmes, including:
Catch Them Young Sports Development Programme to discover and nurture young football talents.
Quiz and Essay Competitions for rural and riverine secondary schools to promote academic excellence.
Youth and Women Skills Acquisition Programme to support economic empowerment.
Niger Delta Peace Support Fund for community peacebuilding and leadership development.
Educational Support Fund (Back-to-School Programme) to assist disadvantaged students.
Advocacy for the establishment of State Peacebuilding Commissions across Niger Delta states.
Non-Violent Election Programme focused on civic education, stakeholder dialogues and election peace monitoring.
Drug Abuse and Cultism Awareness Campaigns in primary and secondary schools.
Expansion of CEPEJ Peace and Environment Clubs across multiple states.
Establishment of Mediation Centres to support peaceful conflict resolution.
Warri Peacebuilding Dialogue Programme to promote ethnic harmony.
IDPs and Disaster Victims Support Initiative to provide relief for vulnerable populations.
He added that implementation will be anchored on community-driven approaches, strategic partnerships with government institutions, development agencies and civil society groups, deployment of trained volunteers, and strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
Mulade expressed confidence that effective execution of the 2026 Strategic Work Plan would significantly strengthen peace, environmental resilience and inclusive development across Nigeria.
“This work plan provides a clear roadmap for impactful intervention. With strong partnerships and stakeholder support, CEPEJ-Africa will continue to deliver meaningful change to communities,” he said.
