–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:
The special Adviser to the governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on peace building and conflict resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor yesterday urged stakeholders and key community representatives from Isoko South to use the approach of early warning and early response towards sustainable peace building in Isoko South local government area.
The one day stakeholders sensitization workshop held at Bashorun Askia Civic center Uzere, Isoko South local government area, was caption “Enhancing violent conflict prevention through community early warning and early response for sustainable peace in Delta State”.
Uzor urged the people to be proactive and deal with issues raised to ensure that conflict do not escalate into intra or inter community unrest, noting that “communities should have peace and live in peace which is ensential for development in all ramification in the state”.
He noted that violent conflicts in our community pose major challenges that leads to loss of lives and property, adding that preventive measures could make the costs avoidable.
Speakers during the workshop spoke on “Understanding and strengthening the foundation for community early warning and early response, a tool for effective and sustainable violent conflict prevention in Delta State” by Professor Sam Okala.
“Building an effective relationship and partnership between the traditional rulers, president general, and Community Development Committee and strategy for sustainable peaceful coexistence in our communities in Delta State” by Dr. Uwomano Benjamin Okpevra.
While Mrs. Caroline Usikpedo – Omoniye, special Adviser to governor Okowa on Youth development, spoke on “Women and Youth Involvement in Community early warning Response system for sustainable violent conflict prevention in Isoko South local government area of Delta State”.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the chief executive officer and managing director of DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, represented by Dr. Shadrack Agidiga, the patron of Isoko Development Union, high chief Iduh Amadhe and the executive chairman of Isoko South local government area, Hon. Victor Asasa, represented by the vice chairman, hon. (Mrs) Blessing Uzoge.
The highlights of the stakeholders sensitization workshop was questions and answer sesson, just as the Odiologbo of Umeh community, HRM Ambrose Odiri Owhe reported that four members of the community were taken hostage yesterday by Owhodokpo – Igbide people, but were released earlier in the day
The special Adviser curtioned Igbide people to be careful over incessant conflict with communities around them, adding that Igbide people should learn on how to live in peace with their neighbors.
In attendance was the Area commander of police, ACP Camilius Emordi Ezewulu, Rev, Godspower Agbuduta, executive assistant to governor Okowa on peace building and conflict resolution Barr. Chief Sam Chukwuji and traditional rulers from Isoko South communities.
Others are the D.P.O Oleh, the state security service, Dcn. Gabriel Abighe, Barr. Afor Irogbo, both S.A and S.S.A to governor Okowa on peace building and conflict resolution, Community president’s general from Isoko South and representatives of men, women and youths from various Isoko South communities.
