WARRI/Nigeria: In a decisive move to foster unity and prevent renewed tensions in Warri, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has inaugurated the Warri Indigene and Residents Peacebuilding Committee, marking a significant step toward strengthening coexistence among the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday at a high-level stakeholders’ clinic, brought together a diverse coalition of community leaders, government representatives, market unions, civil society organisations, security agencies, and non-indigenous residents, reflecting a collective resolve to entrench peace in the oil-rich city.
Speaking at the maiden engagement, CEPEJ National Coordinator, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, emphasized that sustainable peace in Warri requires deliberate, inclusive, and structured efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and rebuilding trust among communities.
“Lasting peace in Warri is achievable through deliberate efforts to de-escalate tensions, promote neutrality, and strengthen information-sharing channels,” Mulade stated, urging stakeholders to adopt advocacy-driven approaches that promote unity rather than division.
As part of the intervention, a seven-member executive committee was inaugurated to drive the peacebuilding process, with Mr. Chuks Awogu emerging as Chairman. Other members include Toriitseju Igbiaye (Co-Chairman I), Eburu Emuaghogho (Co-Chairman II), Erediegha Precious (Co-Chairwoman III), Comrade Hilda Amogha (Spokesperson), and Mrs. Hajara Abubakar (Secretary).
Mulade charged the newly constituted leadership to rise above ethnic sentiments and operate with fairness, inclusivity, and a strong commitment to the collective interest of Warri residents, stressing that peace remains the bedrock of sustainable development.
He further underscored the alignment of the initiative with the vision of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that a stable and peaceful environment is essential for attracting investment and accelerating economic growth.
“Conflict only leads to needless loss of lives, while peace creates opportunities for all,” Mulade declared, adding that no form of crisis can displace the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo from Warri.
In a strong appeal, he urged individuals and groups that benefit from crisis to desist from actions that fuel division, calling instead for investments in ventures that can create employment opportunities for the region’s youth population.
He also called on traditional rulers and political leaders to actively support and champion peaceful coexistence as a pathway to development and prosperity in Warri and its environs.
Reinforcing the call for discipline and focus, Coordinator of SID Warri, Abbey Kalio, urged members of the committee to remain committed to their mandate and avoid distractions that could undermine the objectives of the initiative.
As part of its broader peacebuilding framework, CEPEJ unveiled a series of people-centered programmes, including stakeholder training, community sensitization, advocacy campaigns, and inter-ethnic familiarisation visits.
Mulade explained that the programmes are designed to deepen dialogue, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen relationships among the diverse ethnic groups that make up Warri’s social fabric.
Earlier, CEPEJ Administrative Manager, Tina Agidi, outlined the structured agenda of the clinic, detailing a roadmap of activities aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and sustained engagement among stakeholders.
Also speaking, Senior Programme Officer, Samuel Ideh, reminded participants of Warri’s long history of inter-ethnic collaboration, noting that unity has always been a source of strength and shared progress for the city.
With the inauguration of the committee and the rollout of targeted engagement programmes, CEPEJ’s intervention is being widely regarded as a timely and pragmatic effort to douse tensions and lay a solid foundation for enduring peace in Warri.
