Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has highlighted the importance of dialogue as a vital tool for achieving lasting peace, describing it not as a weakness but as a true reflection of wisdom, strength, and courage.
The governor made this known at a community peace education workshop held in Orerokpe on Monday, organized by his Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor.
Represented by the Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Solomon Igrakpata, Governor Oborevwori restated his administration’s commitment to promoting peace and preventing conflicts across the state, while commending Chief Uzor for organizing the workshop and advancing the cause of peaceful coexistence.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, explained that the peace workshop was part of ongoing efforts to empower community leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to sustain peace at the grassroots.
He noted that under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, Delta State has continued to experience peace and stability creating an environment that supports infrastructure development, youth empowerment, job creation, inclusive governance, and effective conflict resolution.
“The government cannot achieve peace on its own,” Chief Uzor said. “As community leaders, religious figures, and youth representatives, you are the first line of defense against conflict. You understand your people their needs, fears, and aspirations. That’s why you must serve as agents of peace: mediating disputes, countering misinformation, discouraging violence, and promoting unity in your communities.”
In their goodwill messages, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Maj-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), and the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM (Dr.) Emmanuel Sideso, both highlighted the vital role of peace in achieving meaningful development. They commended the state government for its sustained efforts in maintaining harmony through the Office of the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire represented by Hon. James Augoye, member representing Okpe Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly also praised the timeliness and relevance of the workshop, noting that such initiatives are crucial as communal conflicts continue to rise in some areas.
During the event, Prof. Ben Okpevra of Delta State University, Abraka, delivered a lecture on “The Role of Dialogue in Resolving Conflict and Promoting Peace in the Community,” describing dialogue as the honest exchange of understanding and mutual respect.
The workshop reached its peak with a captivating drama performance titled “Though Tribes and Tongues May Differ,” followed by an engaging interactive session where participants applauded Governor Oborevwori’s remarkable contributions to peace and development in the state.
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