CEPEJ Inaugurates Warri Peace Committee, Launches Grassroots Programmes to Curb Ethnic Tensions

The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has inaugurated the Warri Indigene and Residents Peacebuilding Committee, alongside the launch of grassroots programmes aimed at strengthening unity among the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups.

The initiative, unveiled at a stakeholders’ meeting in Warri, brought together community leaders, government representatives, security agencies, civil society groups, market unions, and non-indigenous residents, signaling a collective commitment to preventing conflict and rebuilding trust in the oil-rich city.

Speaking at the event, CEPEJ National Coordinator, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, emphasized the importance of deliberate peacebuilding efforts, stating that “lasting peace in Warri is achievable through deliberate efforts to de-escalate tensions, promote neutrality, and strengthen information-sharing channels”.

A seven-member executive committee was inaugurated to drive the initiative, with Mr. Chuks Awogu as Chairman. Other members include Toriitseju Igbiaye, Eburu Emuaghogho, Erediegha Precious, Comrade Hilda Amogha, and Mrs. Hajara Abubakar.

Mulade charged the committee to “rise above ethnic loyalties and remain committed to fairness and inclusivity”, stressing that peace is essential for sustainable development. He also highlighted the role of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that “sustained peace is vital for attracting investment and driving economic growth in the state”.

Reinforcing the call for focus, Abbey Kalio, Coordinator of SID Warri, urged members to remain committed to their mandate and avoid distractions.

As part of its broader strategy, CEPEJ unveiled capacity-building programmes including stakeholder training, advocacy campaigns, community engagements, and inter-ethnic familiarisation visits. According to Mulade, these initiatives are “designed to entrench dialogue and mutual understanding among Warri’s diverse populations”.

He further appealed to those fueling crises to desist, stating that “No amount of crisis can displace the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo from Warri,” and warned that “Conflict only leads to needless loss of lives, while peace creates opportunities for all.”

Mulade also called on traditional and political leaders to support peaceful coexistence to attract investment and development to Warri and its environs.

Earlier, CEPEJ Administrative Manager, Tina Agidi, outlined the programme roadmap, while Senior Programme Officer, Samuel Ideh, highlighted Warri’s long history of inter-ethnic cooperation, urging stakeholders to sustain collaboration for collective progress.

The inauguration of the committee and rollout of people-centered programmes are being seen as a timely intervention to reduce tensions and lay a strong foundation for lasting peace in Warri.