In commemoration of the 2024 World Peace Day, the Shedrack Agediga Foundation (SAF) organized a vibrant Peace Walk across the city of Warri, Delta State.
The event, held on Saturday, September 21, was themed “Cultivating the Culture of Peace” and saw an enthusiastic turnout of community members, youths, and representatives from various organizations.
In collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Chapter, the Peace Walk was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of peace in fostering community development and unity.
Participants, dressed in symbolic white attire, marched through the streets of Warri carrying placards with messages promoting harmony, non-violence, and cooperation among all ethnic and social groups.
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The event kicked off at the DBS office, with key stakeholders including Shedrack Agediga, the founder of SAF, addressing the crowd.
Agediga emphasized the foundation’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence in the Niger Delta region, which has been historically plagued by tensions and conflicts.
He reiterated that peace is the bedrock of sustainable development and called on all stakeholders to contribute to cultivating a culture of peace within their spheres of influence.
“This year’s theme, Cultivating the Culture of Peace, reminds us that peace is not just the absence of war but a way of life. We must continuously work together to build understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect in our communities,” Agediga said during his address.
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On his part, the Executive Director, Social Services Chief Favour Izoukumor, said that the MORE Agenda of Governor Sherifff Oborevwori can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
He stated that peace has indeed returned to Warri, where all ethnic groups can come together for a common purpose as experienced today during the Peace Walk.
“We all know that if we want to move forward or develop, peace is important. No development can take place in the absence of peace. Today, it is very obvious that Warri is peaceful and as we embrace peace, by God’s grace Warri and by extension, Delta State will continue to attract development not just within but both Federal and international,” Chief Izoukumor said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri Chief Elegbete Moses Odibo, said;
“Peace is the cornerstone of the MORE Agenda of the governor. This Peace Walk shows we are serious about embracing and maintaining peace in Warri.
“I promise you that next year will be bigger than this. I know many people will attend after having seen today’s exercise, which occurs once a year. We shall take this project more seriously,” Chief Odibo added.
Recounting how the station has been able to maintain peace in Warri, especially as it is their area of operation, the General Manager, DBS, Warri, Pst. Malcolm Oteri said, “Peace is at the centre of our operation. In our editorial policy, we put peace first before any other thing because we live in a society where there are diverse interests. We have diverse ethnic groups, and DBS has a responsibility to manage a peaceful coexistence amongst all.
As the Peace Walk proceeded across major landmarks in Warri, there were brief stops for reflections and speeches from stakeholders and civil society representatives.
Many of them echoed the sentiment that lasting peace can only be achieved through continuous dialogue, conflict resolution, and education on the values of tolerance and respect.
The Shedrack Agediga Foundation has been a notable force in promoting peace, youth empowerment, and social development in Delta State and beyond.
This year’s Peace Walk further solidified its role as a key advocate for peaceful coexistence in a region that has often struggled with unrest.
World Peace Day, celebrated globally on September 21st, provides a platform for communities to reflect on the importance of peace and engage in activities that promote it.
With the involvement of various sectors, including the media, youth groups, and non-governmental organizations, the 2024 Peace Walk in Warri was hailed as a resounding success and a step forward in the collective effort towards achieving lasting peace in the city.
