WARRI/Nigeria: An Ambassador of Peace, and Niger Delta Environmentalist, Chief (Comd.) Sheriff Mulade had called on the people of the Aladja, and Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Delta State to learn to live in peace, as it’s the only panacea for a better social economic development in the area, as he tasked the Delta State Government to take advantage of the now existing efforts by the two communities.
The Ijaw chief made the call recently during the Aladja-Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Concert held recently, with a theme: “We Are One, Peace- the Power of Unity”, saying “I am very delighted and overwhelmed to stand before you all, also joining my voice with Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Vanguard to canvass for peace in Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities.”
He pointed out the crises is a setback not only to the nation, but to the continent of Africa and the world at large, as the best thing that can happen to any individual and community, is peace and not war.
“Peace is sacrosanct to growth and development. It has become clear in our history that communal crisis is a setback not only to the nation, but to the Continent and the world at large.”
”The best thing that can happen to any individual, community and country is peace and not war. We need peace in Aladja, Ogbe-Ijoh and all other communities and I am glad that peace has come to stay.”
“It is true that there are crisis, wars and disunity among peoples of the world today, but we can work to achieve peace, because peace for our people is peace for us, peace in our neighborhood is peace for us, peace in our communities is peace for all of us, and where there is peace there is unity, love, growth and development.”
Chief Sheriff stated that the efforts to achieving peace had always been difficult, and not easy, as a lot sacrifices and dedication, sacrifices of time, resources and money is expended to achieve peace.
“We all know that the journey to achieving peace is not always easy, it goes with a lot of sacrifices and dedication, sacrifice of time, resources and money.” “Whenever peace is achieved, the joy that comes with it is unquantifiable, that is why people like Martin Luther King (Jr), Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and other notable advocates of peace invested their lives on such a course and they never regretted their struggles for human rights, equality and peaceful coexistence.”
He appreciated the organisers of the peace concert, The Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Vanguard, for their efforts, saying that they had done noble in achieving peace that was thought will not be achieved, saying history will never forget their efforts.
“Let me say that Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Vanguard has done noble in achieving the peace that others thought was unachievable, they have bridged the gap between war and peace and between unhappy and happy people, between Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities, between the Ijaws and Urhobos.” “History will never forget their action, they shall always be remembered all over the world, because history books will record this event.”
He pointed out that wars are created, and the youths are then mobilised to fight the war, declaring that not again, as there will be no more war to fight, between the two communities.
“NO more war to fight. Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh, no more war to fight. Never again will our youths and elders die because of war. Never again will our elders declare wars for our youths to fight. No more deaths among our women.”
“I say Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja youths shall not die but live fulfilled lives. I say to Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh people, NO MORE WARS BUT PEACE.”
The Peace Ambassador also used the occasion to call on the Delta State government to use the now exiting peace, and efforts of the peace concert to step efforts to maintain peace in the area amongst all communities.
“I have always been on the path of peace, so I support this great peace and unity movement powered by Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Vanguard.”
“I call on the Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, the Chairmen of Warri South West and Udu Local Governments, Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, Community Leaders, Women and Youths of Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities to embrace peace and support this great peace initiative towards restoring permanent peace to the communities. The benefits of peace outweighs the blood shed at war.”
“We should remember that Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh are one people. There is no true Aladja person that is not related to Ogbe-Ijoh in one way or the other, and there is no true Ogbe-Ijoh person that is not related to Aladja, so we are one people. We should therefore display genuine love for one another.”
“Let us commit ourselves to building on the peace, unity and oneness as the legacies of Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh Peace Vanguard, so that, everyone in both communities, can enjoy peace, prosperity, inclusive and sustainable development in the land. We should know that disunity causes constant underdevelopment and backwardness.”
Dignitaries present are the Udu LGA Chairman, Warri South West LGA, Chairman, DG special duties to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Chief Frank Omare, Representives of Ovie of Udu and Pere of Ogbe Ijoh Warri Kingdom, Chief Boro Opudu, Delta Land/Waterways Security,, International artist- RMD, Harry Song, Ushebebe and many others.
