The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has inaugurated the Warri Indigene and Residents Peacebuilding Committee on Thursday, March 26, 2026, launching grassroots programs to foster unity among Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo groups in the oil-rich city.
The event united community leaders, government officials, market unions, civil society, security agencies, and non-indigenous residents in a maiden peace-building meeting, aiming to prevent conflicts and rebuild trust.
CEPEJ National Coordinator Comrade Sheriff Mulade, emphasized de-escalation, neutrality, and information-sharing for lasting peace. He urged stakeholders to prioritize coexistence over division and called on crisis sponsors to invest in youth employment instead.
A seven-member executive team was sworn in, led by Chairman Mr. Chuks Awogu, with 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 tasked them to transcend ethnic loyalties for fairness and inclusivity, crediting Delta State Governor Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s support for linking peace to economic growth.
SID Warri Coordinator Abbey Kalio, reinforced the need for focus on the committee’s mandate.
CEPEJ also rolled out capacity-building efforts like stakeholder training, community dialogues, advocacy, and inter-ethnic visits to promote mutual understanding.
Mulade declared no crisis can displace Warri’s ethnic groups, stressing that peace drives opportunities while conflict brings loss. He appealed to traditional and political leaders to back coexistence for investment and development.
CEPEJ Administrative Manager Tina Agidi, outlined the program roadmap, while Senior Programme Officer Samuel Ideh, highlighted Warri’s history of inter-ethnic harmony. The moves signal a practical push for sustained peace.