Briga Media
The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), also known as Africa for Peace in partnership with the Warri Peace Community Support Initiative, the Delta Civil Society Forum, and Itsekiri youths in Warri Kingdom, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, intensified its grassroots peacebuilding campaign across Warri Federal Constituency.
The advocacy programme, held in Warri South Local Government Area Delta State, brought together community leaders, stakeholders, youths, and residents of various Itsekiri communities to promote peaceful coexistence and revive Warri’s long-standing reputation as a commercial and cultural hub.
CEPEJ’s National Coordinator, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, Ph.D., said the initiative—Peace Building Awareness Creation for Peaceful Coexistence in Warri Federal Constituency—aims to strengthen inter-ethnic harmony and foster mutual trust among communities within Warri Kingdom and neighbouring areas.
He noted that the event, themed “Restore Warri’s Past Glory,” is part of a five-day, multi-community peacebuilding programme designed to reorient youths and discourage escalating tensions in Warri.
Mulade, a prominent traditional chief from Gbaramatu Kingdom, recalled the prosperous years when Warri thrived as a major business centre before recurring crises slowed its development. He urged political leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, and community stakeholders to unite and work toward restoring Warri’s lost glory, stressing that peace remains the foundation for sustainable development.
He further charged youths to embrace education and resist exploitation by individuals who instigate conflicts for personal gain.
Guest speaker Mr. Sylvester Okoh, addressing participants on “Keys for Sustainable Peace in Warri,” explained that peace is not the mere absence of conflict but a continuous commitment to dialogue, tolerance, and community-building.
Similarly, Executive Director of Ideal Women Advancement Initiative, Mrs. Bridget Affiah, emphasized the vital role of youths in sustaining peace. She noted that Warri needed unity, not division, and called for renewed commitment to tolerance and mutual respect.
Several community leaders—including Hon. Adun Emmanuel, Hon. Bobby Omadeli, Professor Andrew Agboro, Ambassador Okoro Anthony, and Comrade Kelvin Oludewa—commended CEPEJ for championing peace advocacy in Warri. They urged community leaders to be transparent and consistently communicate development plans with their people to prevent mistrust and conflict.
The event also featured a playlet and visual presentations highlighting the social and economic benefits of peaceful coexistence, alongside the inauguration of a Peace Building Committee to advance the initiative across communities.
