Following the renewed ethnic tension in parts of Warri, the Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP), Nigeria Chapter, Delta State Branch, at the weekend , launched the National Community Violence Reduction Programme (NCVRP) in Delta State with a call for collective action to tackle insecurity and promote dialogue.
The event, which also featured the flag-off of the Delta State Grassroot Peace and Security Assessment, was presented by Past Assistant Governor, Mfon Otite-Douglas, who doubles as the Delta State Branch Coordinator of RAGFP.
Speaking at the media briefing, Otite-Douglas said the programme comes as the world prepares to mark the 2025 International Day of Peace on September 21, under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” She emphasized that peace remains the foundation for justice, sustainable development, and prosperity.
National Vision
The NCVRP, inaugurated by the Federal Government on August 13, 2025, through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser, was launched in partnership with the Gray Child Foundation and the Rotary Action Group for Peace.
Otite-Douglas described the initiative as a “bold, people-centered strategy” designed to address the root causes of violence by integrating innovative approaches against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, organized crime, radicalism, ethno-religious conflict, and social restiveness.
Delta State Realities
While Delta State has made strides in peacebuilding through initiatives like the Intercommunal Peace Initiative, she warned that challenges such as youth restiveness, cultism, and socio-economic divides still threaten stability in the region.
Call to Action
Otite-Douglas urged all stakeholders to take ownership of peacebuilding:
Community leaders to champion dialogue and unity.
Youth to reject cultism and crime while embracing innovation and service.
Women to continue their crucial role as peacebuilders in homes, schools, and markets.
The media to promote healing narratives instead of divisive rhetoric.
Government and private sector partners to invest in skills, livelihoods, and infrastructure that address the roots of violence.
“This is not about waiting for Abuja. It’s about empowering us—our communities, our leaders, our youth—to be the frontline defenders of peace,” she stated.
Closing Appeal
In her closing remarks, the Delta RAGFP coordinator stressed that peace should not be seen as the absence of conflict but as the presence of justice, fairness, and opportunity.
“Delta State—and Nigeria—cannot afford cycles of violence that rob our youth of their future. We must act now, together, decisively, and compassionately,” she declared.
The NCVRP launch is expected to strengthen grassroots peacebuilding efforts and promote a safer, more united Delta State, Niger Delta, and Nigeria at large.
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