NGO PIND Foundation Brings Ijaw, Itsekiri Leaders Together, Agree to Permanent Peaceful Coexistence.

NGO PIND Foundation Brings Ijaw, Itsekiri Leaders Together, Agree to Permanent Peaceful Coexistence.

A Non governmental organisation, Patnership Initiative in the Niger Delta, popularly known as PIND Foundation, yesterday, brought The Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities together in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State to propose and agree on permanent peaceful coexistence.

Leaders of the two ethnic group came together under the Warri Multi Stakeholders Platform, MSP, to sue for a Peaceful coexistence for the purpose of attracting sustainable development to Delta State.

The NGO, PIND foundation provided the platform and resources for the Itsekiri and Ijaw leaders to seat with their youths and happily discourse what unites them. The Ijaw and Itsekiri youths also use the opportunity to talk about what they have in common.  An Ijaw Youth leader, Comrade Prince Benikoro who said, "Ijaw and Itsekiri love Eating Banga Soup prepared with starch and fresh fish" an Itsekiri youth also agreed.

An Itsekiri leader, a Chief of the Warri Kingdom, Chief Mike Odeli,  member of the Warri MSP noted that only peace and unity can guarantee sustainable development.

The forum was well attended by government Representatives, security agencies, traditional representative, Women groups, youth representatives, ijaw and Itsekiri participants amongst whome are Hon. Marshall Ekpe, Chairman House committee of information/Orientation Warri North Legleslative Arm, representative of the Egbema Royal Palace Hon. Spencer Okpoye SSA to the Governor of Delta State on Political matters and host of notable personalities.

In a press statement issued after a meeting held at KCMA hall Koko in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta on Friday, September 21, 2019, reads; “It is important for people to become aware of the dangers of violence in communities, noting that the purpose of its meeting was to promote peaceful coexistence and sensitize the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups the need to live together in peace. 

The Warri MSP, a coordinating forum of 16 members which cut across traditional rulers, State and Local Government representatives, and community representatives from the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups in Delta State, was established with support from the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND Foundation) to promote dialogue and mitigate conflict between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups since the Ijaws and Itsekiris are major ethnic groups existing in Delta State. 

Addressing the the media, Chief lawan Africa, the network coordinator in Partner For Peace in the Niger Delta maintained that, the struggle for resources such as rents, royalties, political influence has been a major driver of conflict in the State. 

This he observed has affected peaceful relations in the past between both ethnic groups. He said the area occupied by both ethnic groups are contiguous to each other, as a result, it was inevitable given the competing drivers for violence to erupt between them. 

Going down memory lane, he noted that the initial outbreak of violence between the two ethnic nationalities can be traced to 1997 when the Warri South West Local Government Area was created. He revealed that the Local Government Headquarters was initially Located in Ogbe-Ijaw but was relocated to Ogidiben and Itsekiri. This he said  sparked off riots and violence between both ethnic groups in what became known as the Warri Crisis. Since that time he stated, tension and violence has always broken out between both groups either at the time of election.
But however adhered that a lot of integration have occurred between both ethnic groups in recent times but it is not also uncommon to see major leaders from both groups stoking ethnic sentiments in a bid to gain upper hand in terms of dividends from both the government and companies.

Chief Africa further affirmed that the meeting is all about peaceful coexistence between both groups at the grassroot. 

In 2017, PIND Foundation started the Warri Multi Stakeholder Platform and its basic objective was to promote peaceful co-existence between both ethnic groups. 

Meanwhile the Warri Multi Stakeholder Platform was formally set up in July 2018 after about a year of engagement with State Government, traditional institutions from both ethnic groups, women leaders, youth groups, security agencies and multinational companies in Warri.

PIND Foundation is a Nigerian non-profit organization established by Chevron to promote equitable economic development and peace through partnerships in the Niger Delta. Since 2013, PIND has been strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms to enable integrated peace and economic growth” he added. 

Dr Austin Onuoha the keynote speaker on his part, stated that one of the cardinal ingredients of a peaceful society is the ability to resolve issues affecting the community. He said this does not mean there wont be some sort of disagreement in opinion, but said whenever there is, he admonished them not to resort to self resolution but run to the MSP  to avoid violence.

He further appealed to them to always unite and live in harmony in order to enjoy the benefits of what God has given to them. He added that violence will deter development from coming to their communities. 
He called on them to shun acts that can lead to violence that may bring insecurity and poverty, urging them to always intermarry to avoid reoccurring crisis.