NEWS
Okuama Inks 9-Point Peace Accord With Okoloba
The leaders of the two neighbouring communities of Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) and Okoloba of Bomadi LGA of Delta State have signed a nine-point peace accord to draw the curtain on their longstanding hostilities.
To add bite to the accord, they set up a 10-man Monitoring Committee at a meeting on Saturday at the Government House Annex, Warri.
It was gathered that the Chairman, Bomadi Local Government council, Rawlings Andaye, brokered the peace meeting in collaboration with his Ughelli South counterpart, Lucky Iroro Avweromie.
ALSO READ: Protests Erupt In Delta As Prices Hit Record Highs, Tinubu Under Fire
Notable attendees of the meeting where Okuama and Okoloba communities resolved to embrace peace and to “live in peace and harmony” were the leadership of both communities, royal fathers and security agents from both Local Government Areas.
The Peace accord provided thus, “Immediate Ceasefire: Both communities agree to an immediate ceasefire and an end to all hostilities.
“Denouncement of Violence: Both communities denounce the recent military operations and the looting and destruction of property in the Okuama community.
“Reconciliation: Both communities agree to work towards reconciliation and forgiveness.
“Access to Farmlands and Farming Activities: Both communities agree to grant free access to farmlands and farming activities within our respective boundaries, recognizing the importance of agriculture to our livelihood.”
In addition, the peace accord provided that both communities appealed to the government to strengthen the joint patrols along the Forcados River bank to ensure safety and security.
“Free Passage along the Forcados River: Both communities agree to allow free passage of boats and passengers along the Forcados River bank bordering both communities.
“Release of Properties: Both communities appeal to the chairmen of both local governments to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged theft of belongings by neighbouring communities during and after the operations of the military at Okuama community. We further appeal to both chairmen for commitment towards identifying and recovering the stolen items, ensuring that justice is served and affected individuals are duly compensated.
“Dispute Resolution: Both communities agree to resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.
“Community Engagement: Both communities agree to engage in community outreach programmes to promote peace and understanding.”
Declaring open the peace parley, Andaye, who chaired it, noted that it was convened at the instance of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori who, according to him, mandated him to “iron out all aching issues between the two communities”.
“The main purpose of this meeting is that we have no other option than to live in peace. The Okoloba and Okuama crisis is not from God, it is of the devil and no price is too big to pay for peace to reign between these two communities”, the Bomadi Council chairman stated.
He spoke further, “You people have lived together peacefully in the days of old and you can do same today. Let that old relationship between Okuama and Okoloba be sustained.
“Our governor, Sheriff Oborevwori is aware of this meeting and he is expecting us to report back to him after the meeting. If we don’t agree to live in peace now, we are planting hatred and persistent conflicts for our future generations.
“The ultimate goal of this meeting is to ensure lasting peace between Okuama and Okoloba communities, and we want both communities to go back to your age-long relationship of peaceful co-existence”.
In the same vein, the Chairman, Ughelli South LG, Avweromie, stated that “sustainable peace could only be achieved if both communities forgave one another’s offences and mistakes”.
According to Avweromie, “No other person can settle this issue but the people of Okuama and Okoloba communities. We have to speak as brothers and sisters, lasting peace can only be achieved if you forgive one another.
“Let us maintain our old relationship where we farm and fish together because we want free access to the river, we want free trade in the river and it is a must Okuama and Okoloba lived peacefully”.
In his contribution, the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom, His Majesty, Clement Oghenekevwe Ikolo, emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence between the two communities, stressing that “an atmosphere of crisis often hatched out negative effects on an area and the people.
“Crisis destroys the very fabrics of our communities. Crisis breeds fear, sorrow, economic hardship and deaths. When we live in peace, we develop our domains and there is no need for us to be fighting one another.”
He urged the representatives of both communities to “go back home and talk to your people on the need for peaceful coexistence.
“We must refresh our minds and have the spirit of forgiveness so we can stand together as a people.”
On his part, the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, Pere Kalanama VIII, commended the two Local Government Council Chairmen on the peace deal.
In his words, “both Okoloba and Okuama have been living together for over three hundred years and I want to appeal that it’s enough of the fight. The land dispute should be amicably settled.
“I want to urge the state government to step in to demarcate the boundaries between the two communities for lasting peace to reign.”
Also, the Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom, Solomon Okukeren, preached peace and unity to both communities urging them to stop the spread of hate speech.
“Okuama and Okoloba communities were one people. I want both communities to embrace peace and harmony”, the Ovie said.
The leadership of both communities pledged their willingness to live as brothers and thanked the initiators of the peace move, in their respective responses to the speeches.
The Secretary-General of Ewu Kingdom, Amb. Edewor Egedegbe, who led the Okuama community representatives, commended Gov Oborevwori and the two Local Government chairmen for initiating the peace move.
While pledging Okuama community’s readiness to live peacefully with its neighbouring Okoloba community, Egedegbe lauded Gov Oborevwori “for ensuring that there is sustainable peace between us.
“I also commend the efforts of the council chairmen and traditional rulers on this peace building process.”
He assured that “the people of Okuama are eternally committed to peace between both communities.
“We also use this medium to appeal to the Federal Government to follow due process in the approach on issues as innocent Okuama indigenes are suffering, and as we are speaking we don’t know the whereabouts of our frontline community leaders.”
On his part, leader of the Okoloba community delegation Dr David Akpobolokemi, assured that the community fully subscribed to the peace accord which he described as “a fundamental move”.
“We subscribed to it in its entirety and Okoloba community is committed to ensuring sustainable peace between us. We will do everything humanly possible to live together in peace and move forward”, he averred.
He commended Gov Oborevwori and the two council chairmen for the tireless efforts made towards achieving sustainable peace between the two communities
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.
This was detailed in a Christmas message on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja under the signature of the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the Vice President, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.
“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.
Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”
He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.
“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.
“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated Christians in Osun State and beyond on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration, urging them to follow Jesus Christ’s example of compassion and tolerance.
Biztellers reports that Gov Adeleke described the birth of Jesus Christ as a defining moment for mankind, in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday.
He described the festive season as a solemn reminder of the power of love and how it can save humanity.
ALSO READ: Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
While recognising unity and togetherness as an important message that Jesus Christ’s life resonates, Gov Adeleke charged Osun people, particularly Christians, to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities.
In his words, “I extend my warm wishes to Christian faithful in Osun state and beyond as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the power of love and remind us of the essence of compassion,” the Governor noted in his message.
“In the mood of celebration, I urge us to take a moment to reflect on the message of renewal that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies, promoting activities that will unite not divide, build not destroy, and bring peace not conflict.
“It is also my sincere appeal that we extend hands of kindness to the needy and the weak in the society, spreading love and generosity beyond borders. That is the essence of Christmas and it is most essential that at a time like this, no one is left to their fate.”
Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, has enjoined all Nigerian leaders to be more sensitive to the yearnings of the people for a better life.
This was contained in a 2024 Christmas Message to Nigerians issued in Lagos under the signature of the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
According to the Archbishop there is an urgent need for a better enabling environment to allow businesses thrive in a bid to reduce the high rate of unemployment and the grinding poverty in the land.
He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal needs in addressing the widespread hunger, poverty, joblessness, and insecurity ravaging the nation.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
In his words, “Even in the face of policies that are deemed to have positive results in the long-term, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira and the new tax reforms initiative, governments must ensure that the immediate welfare of people is not neglected but factored into the planning and execution of such policies. This is necessary, if the people for whom the policies are being made are not to die before the positive results begin to manifest.
“At the same time, government spending must be prudent and compassionate. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the agricultural sector so that food security can be ensured for overall benefit.”
The Prelate described as very sad and depressing the recent loss of several lives of innocent Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra in their quest to access food palliatives owing to pervading hunger across the country.
He considered it worrisome that many Nigerians now find it difficult to purchase necessities of life, especially during this festive season that should be a period of merriment, sharing of love, food, and other essentials, which are the hallmarks of the Christmas season.
To forestall a reoccurrence of such ugly incidents, the prelate urged governments, at both federal and state levels, as well as the legislative assemblies, to identify and quickly fix the loopholes in the polity that are responsible for the massive poverty and hardship which Nigerians are facing.
He advocated the appraisal of the nation’s existing laws and enactment and enforcement of only proactive policies that would open the business environment, attract investors, and create more jobs so that the citizens can afford their basic needs; rather than depend on palliatives that offer only temporary relief.
The prelate urged substantial investments in the agricultural sector of the economy to ensure the availability of basic foodstuffs; thereby reducing the high cost of essential food items like rice, beans, onions and grains.
“If citizens have food in their homes, people will not endanger their lives while scrambling for palliatives in the way it happened,” he noted with sadness.
While praying for the souls of those who died in the recent stampedes in parts of the country, he also commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, praying that Jesus, the Prince of Peace would bring solace to the afflicted, comfort to the grieving, and hope to the despairing.
“This special season reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son to redeem humanity. May the light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness, and fill our hearts with love, compassion, and kindness. As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, the vulnerable and the marginalised. May our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity,” he stated.
Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Obi’s Inspiring Christmas Message Of Hope For Women’s Football
Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians
Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Others Dazzle Fans At Flytime Music Festival 2024
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
