By MICHAEL IKEOGWU/WARRI
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and unity across the state, describing peace as the “lifeline” of development.
Speaking at the 2025 International Day of Peace (IDP) celebration held at Unity Hall, Government House Annex, Edjeba, Warri, the governor noted that the year’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” underscores the urgent responsibility of all citizens to make peace a daily practice.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, Governor Oborevwori recalled that at his inauguration in 2023, he pledged to advance Delta through the MORE Agenda (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security), stressing that every project under the agenda must be anchored on peace.
“Roads, hospitals, schools, and markets will mean little if our communities are in conflict. For us in Delta, peace is not an option, it is our lifeline.”
He commended the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Sir (Chief) Edwin Uzor, and his team for their steady role in sustaining harmony through dialogue, reconciliation, and conflict resolution across the state.
Oborevwori further charged youths, women, traditional leaders, civil society, and every citizen to become custodians of peace, insisting that peace must begin at home, in communities, and in the hearts of all Deltans.
Meanwhile, in his keynote address, the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Sir (Chief) Edwin Uzor, said the governor has placed peace at the heart of governance, aligning Delta’s MORE Agenda with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16 — Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
He explained that the Peace Building Office was proactive in preventing and resolving conflicts through dialogue, sensitisation, and grassroots engagement, including radio advocacy programs such as The 4th Agenda on Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba.
According to him, the relative peace in Delta today is a product of deliberate policies that have enabled major projects such as road networks, storm water drainage in Warri, the Enerhen Flyover, the Warri Township Stadium, and modern health facilities like the Renewed Hope Mother and Child Hospital.
“More peace means more development, and where peace reigns, unity and progress naturally follow,” Uzor stated. He called on Deltans to reject violence, hate speech, and intolerance, urging them to embrace dialogue and reconciliation.
The event also featured lectures by resource persons, including Professor Benjamin Uwomano Okpevra of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, and Ambassador Caroline Usikpedo-Oliseowe of the International Human Rights Commission, who shared perspectives on the global theme.
Both the governor and his adviser concluded that peace remained the bedrock of sustainable development, and achieving it required collective responsibility.
The ceremony came to a climax with a symbolic release of doves.
