The Delta State Government has joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Peace with a call on all Deltans to collectively invest in peace.
The celebration, themed “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday,” was organized by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, and held at Government House, Asaba.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said his administration has placed peace and security on the front burner, noting that it is a cardinal pillar of his MORE Agenda.
According to the Governor, the cost of neglecting peace is far higher than the cost of investing in it. He disclosed that his administration is prioritizing inclusive employment, equity, and a sense of belonging for all Deltans as practical steps to sustain peace, stressing that the State’s diversity should be seen as a strength, not weakness.
Oborevwori warned that instability in any part of Delta is capable of affecting the entire State, adding that government remains committed to community dialogue to drive sustainable development.
In his keynote address, the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, said peace requires deliberate choices, responsible leadership and collective participation.
Uzor explained that the fourth pillar of the MORE Agenda – Enhanced Peace and Security – is predicated on the fact that development can only thrive where people and institutions coexist peacefully.
He said his Office is preventing and resolving conflicts through dialogue, mediation, sensitization, community engagement, and partnership with MDAs, traditional institutions and security agencies. He added that the deployment of Community Early Warning and Early Response Systems (CEWER) has enabled early detection of tension and timely intervention.
Also speaking, elder statesman and APC chieftain, Dr. Admiral Mike Onah (Rtd.), described peace as the cornerstone of development, saying life is meaningless without peace.
In their goodwill messages, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; the 1st Vice Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Pere of Akugbene Mein , HRM Pere S.P. Luke Kalanama, JP ; the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge; the Obi of Ubulu-Unor, HRM Obi (Dr.) Henry Afamafuna ; and the President-General of Ndokwa Neku Union, Comrade Amechi Asugwuni, emphasized the centrality of peace to societal progress.
Prof. Azinge noted that the International Day of Peace, observed every September 21 as declared by the United Nations, is aimed at strengthening the ideals of peace at a time the world is confronted with conflicts and insecurity.
The traditional rulers commended Chief Uzor for his conflict resolution interventions across the State and lauded Governor Oborevwori for his role in resolving the Warri crisis, noting that Delta’s relative peace has made meaningful development possible.
Highpoint of the event was a peace walk in Asaba.
By Chukwudi Asoya
