International Peace Day: CEPEJ Calls for Peaceful Coexistence in Warri Federal Constituency

By Ezekiel Kagbala 

Marking the International Peace Day, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has urged Itsekiris, Ijaws, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Warri federal constituency of Delta State to foster a spirit of peaceful coexistence. 

CEPEJ's National Coordinator, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, PhD made the call on Monday at an occasion to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Peace, held at the Africa for Peace Games Village, Ugolo, near Osubi, Okpe local government area.

Speaking at the event themed 'Act Now for a Peaceful World', Mulade specifically called on community leaders and youths in Delta State and Nigeria at large, not to give room for violence or be used to foment crises in whatever form.

Rather, he enjoined them to "continue to endeavour to promote peace and peaceful coexistence among themselves.

Mulade's admonition at the World Peace day was coming at a time when issues of electoral Ward delineation, ownership of Warri and its sub-areas threaten the social harmony and peaceful coexistence amongst the three ethnic nationalities in the Warri Federal constituency of the State.

In attendance at the occasion were community leaders, security operatives including representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, (NSCDC), academicians, government officials, Civil Society Organisations, and a host of prominent personalities across Delta State. 

Keynote speakers, including Prof Philips Okolo, Director of Institute of Peace and Security studies, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, highlighted the need to promote peace with good governance, mutual respect and keeping to agreements as they relate to justice and equity, which every peaceful society thrive on.

In his contribution, the executive director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe who is also the coordinator of Male, feminist Network, South-South region Nigeria, emphasised on gender equality which he described as a goal of MFN, with equity as the strategy. 

He posited that "the femininity is not a superiority contest between a man and woman but an ascertention for the demand of mutual respect". 

Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman, Delta State Board of Bursary and Scholarship, Comrade Shedrack Agediga, commended the initiative which he noted has become part of regular rituals for civil society organisations to promote peace.

Sheriff Mulade in appreciating all who graced the event used the forum to strongly appeal, "particularly to the Ijaws, Itsekiris and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State, to embrace peaceful coexistence among themselves devoid of divide-and-rule infiltrators and ethnic war mongers, to allow Warri to enjoy her peace, beauty and development.

"Let me, once again, urge our dear community leaders and youths in Delta State and Nigeria at large, not to give room for violence or be used to foment crises in the state, rather, they should continue to endeavor to promote peace and peaceful coexistence among the Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko and Anioma people in Delta State", he stated.

Mulade remarked that "embracing diversity and promoting dialogue are essential steps toward building a peaceful and prosperous communities and community leaders from Itsekiri, Urhobos, Ijaws, Okpe, Ugolo Osubi and community representatives across the state".

He spoke further, "CEPEJ has been at the forefront of peacebuilding initiatives in the Niger Delta region, advocating for environmental justice and social equity. 

"As we gather today, we are reminded that peace is not just a dream, but a necessity for a thriving world.

"The theme Act Now for a Peaceful World', calls upon us to take immediate action, to be proactive, effective, and to be responsible stewards of peace.

"Let us use this occasion to reflect on our individual and collective roles in fostering peace and peaceful coexistence, understanding, and cooperation".