L-R: National Co-ordinator and Chief Executive Officer of CEPEJ, High Chief Sheriff Mulade(5th front row) flanked by other stakeholders at programme
By Cynthia Eruotor
Centre For Peace, Environmental and Justice (CEPEJ) in collaboration with Warri Peace Community Support Initiative and Delta State Civil Society Forum has organized one day capacity programme. The programme which is titled: “One Day Capacity Programme for Warri Indigene and Residents Committee/Other Stakeholders on Conflict Management and Early Warning and Early Response – EWER In Warri Federal Constituency” took place on Thursday at Peemos Hotel, Opposite Government Lodge, GRA, Warri.
In his remarks, the National Co-ordinator and Chief Executive Officer of CEPEJ, High Chief Sheriff Mulade said, the Committee for the programme was set up few months ago to educate the people on the need to reduce tension in Warri occasioned by Warri Federal Constituency delineation. According to him, the government cannot do it alone but all must join hands to maintain and sustain peace in Warri, Delta State and the nation at large. His words:” The peace we need cannot be provided by the government or by security agencies alone but by all.” He said, the three big capital “Cs” which indicate the maintenance of peace are – communication, co-operation, and coexistence.”
National Co-ordinator and Chief Executive Officer of CEPEJ, High Chief Sheriff Mulade discussing why the programme was held on Thursday.
High Chief Mulade said, God did not make a mistake to have brought the three ethnic groups of Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri together to live in one place as there is no amount of crises that exist that would wipe one tribe away hence, there is need for peaceful coexistence. His words:” No amount of violence or crises that can eliminate any of the three ethnic groups of Itsekiri, Ijaw or Urhobo.”
Executive Director of Community Empowerment and Development Initiative – (CEDI), Mrs. Martha Onose, delivering her lecture on Thursday
While appealing for politicians vying for elective positions in 2027 general elections not to campaign with ethnicity, High Chief Mulade advised the electorate to shun hate speeches to avoid crises in Warri, the state and the country at large. His words:” We are moving towards 2027 elections, elections give birth to crises because of interest in Nigeria. We have politicians who use ethnicity as basis to win elections… We need to work around to ensure there is peace in Warri.”
Fater Kyegh EWER Analyst under EU project delivering his lecture on Thursday
“Two, disassociate yourself from hate speeches- speeches that are provocative – inciting ones that can ignite conflict. We use this conference to appeal to politicians, our stakeholders, if you are campaigning in terms of what you will do for the people, don’t use ethnicity and we should vote for the right person…”According to him, if there is crisis in any part of the state, it will snowball to another parts to cause more havoc. He said, this calls for co-operation for the sustenance of peace in Warri, the state and the country at large.
Faces of some of the participants at the programme on Thursday
Earlier in her lecture titled:” The Impact of Conflict on Economic – focus on the family” delivered by the Executive Director of Community Empowerment and Development Initiative – (CEDI), Mrs. Martha Onose, said, conflict in any form, does not bring about development to the area. According to her, it (conflict) affects family, destroys assets, and leads to loss of income, increases expenses, and causes displacement, among others.
Faces of some of the participants at the programme on Thursday
She said, there should be early mediation through community leaders and educating the people especially the youths on the dangers of conflict in their various communities. Her words:” Conflict is a profound economic shock that breaks down the family unit. The economic impacts are long- lasting, trapping generation in poverty. Targeted family- focused support is essential for recovery. Conflict does not choose sides when it comes to hunger. A peaceful Warri is a wealthy Warri. Let us protect our peace to protect our pocket.”
Other topic on” Early Warning and Early Response System” was discussed by Fater Kyegh EWER Analyst under EU project. The climax of the event was questions and answers.