By Rejoice Ighoviroro
Residents of Warri on Saturday August 1st, turned out in large numbers for a peace rally organised by the Father Abraham Movement, advocating peaceful coexistence among the Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.
The rally, which moved through major parts of the oil city, attracted community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders who called for an end to ethnic divisions and urged residents to embrace unity as the foundation for sustainable development.
Speaking with journalists during the rally, the Amananawei of Warri and Environs, Chief Ebi Donbraye, stressed that peace remains the bedrock of meaningful development.
He noted that no community can experience genuine progress in an atmosphere of conflict, urging Waffarians to unite and speak with one voice in pursuit of their common interests.
He appealed to the Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri people to shun violence and hatred, emphasizing the need to build a peaceful society where future generations can coexist harmoniously and enjoy the abundant resources of the land.
Also speaking, Hon. Pst. Isaac Elder Hence, describe love and unity as indispensable to the growth of any city. According to him, while conflict scares away investors, peace creates an enabling environment that attracts investments, stimulates economic growth and improves the living standards of the people.
In his remarks, Hon. Toju Binitie lamented the decline of Warri’s once-thriving economy, recalling the era when the Warri Refinery and Seaport served as major drivers of employment and commerce.
He urged the three ethnic groups to put aside their differences and jointly advocate for the rehabilitation of the critical infrastructure, noting that their restoration would create thousands of employment opportunities for the people.
He further called on residents to stop the exchange of hostile rhetorics and embrace peace as the pathway to lasting reforms and prosperity.
Similarly, Dr. Samson Onoriode Ikpesu described peace as a catalyst for growth and development.
He commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for their efforts in promoting peace, unity and harmonious coexistence across the state, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration among all stakeholders would restore Warri’s status as a peaceful and economically vibrant city.
