By ODEYA OGBETUO
All is now set for the 2024 Association of the Justices of Peace Conference and campaign to promote peace in Warri and Delta State.
Addressing newsmen in Warri for the commencement of the peace conference to sensitize communities in Delta State to promote peace and resolve all conflicts and disputes amicably, the chairman of Warri Peace Conference 2024 Organizing Committee, Olorogun Victor Okumagba JP said that peace remains essential ingredient for the growth and development of any society, adding that the Warri South Chapter of the Association of the Justices of the Peace considered it very important to embark on peace movement and campaign to communities in Warri and environs.
Olorogun Okumagba who was supported by some Committee members, Elder Charles Okotie JP, Engr. Chief Ugbor Peter JP, Hon. Comrade Francis Obule JP, Ambassador Dr. Gloria Adebiyi CON, JP, Comrade Festus Ukeje JP, Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Iyamu JP, Hon. Jolomi Dabor JP, Chief Ann Gagiyovwe JP, J.C Akanbi Esq. JP and Sir Dr. Silverline Oritserenojo KSM JP, said that the Core mandate and responsibility of a Justice of peace is to advocate for peace by ensuring that communities have peace and live in peace which is essential for development in all ramifications in the State, adding that peace is a gift of mankind to one another.
He noted that in recent time, violent conflicts have become a common phenomenon nearly in all communities and local government areas across the State, stressing that these challenges call for proactive actions from community leaders to handle and manage conflicts in their respective communities.
According to him “Building a culture of peace and non-violence should be considered as the new agenda for sustainable peace in Warri and Delta State. Peace certainly not only the absence of conflict, but also required a positive dynamic participatory process where dialogue is encouraged and conflicts are resolved in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation”
Olorogun Okumagba said that they considered it wise to create the Association of Justices of the Peace Movement that would create a culture of peace and non-violence in our communities and promote dialogue among the people and neighbours and ensure that harmony would overcome hatred vand stability would remove suspicion.
“The movement among other things is expected to carry the message of peace culture and non-violence to every part of Warri and Delta State through action plans that will foster peace through education, promote sustainable economic and social development, to promote respect of human rights, to ensure all persons living under one locality, to foster democratic participation and advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity.
He disclosed that the Warri chapter of the Justices of the Peace will commence the programme with ‘Peace Awareness Walk’ starting from Warri Main Garage to Warri Club by Council Secretariat in promotion of the Warri Peace Conference on the 9th May, 2024.
