By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By PPeter Onyekachukwu
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, has declared that peace is the “lifeline” of development, stressing that every policy of his administration under the MORE Agenda is anchored on sustaining unity and harmony across the state.
Oborevwori made the remarks on Sunday at Unity Hall, Government House Annex, Edjeba, Warri, during the 2025 International Day of Peace celebration themed “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” He said the theme is a call to urgent action, reminding all that peace is not tomorrow’s dream but today’s duty.
The governor recalled his inauguration pledge of May 29, 2023, where he promised to advance Delta through Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security. He explained that machineries such as the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council have been instrumental in addressing conflicts, especially in coastal communities, while commending the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Sir (Chief) Edwin Uzor, for his steady leadership in sustaining peace through dialogue and reconciliation.
Oborevwori maintained that without peace, diversity could become a weakness instead of a strength, adding that roads, hospitals, schools, and markets will mean little if communities remain in conflict. He urged all citizens — youths, women, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, civil society, and leaders — to become custodians of peace, noting that peace begins with tolerance, dialogue, and selfless service.
On his part, the Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Sir (Chief) Edwin Uzor, in his keynote, highlighted that the International Day of Peace, established in 1981 by the United Nations, remains devoted to strengthening ideals of peace with 24 hours of global ceasefire and non-violence every September 21. He said this year’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” is a call to stop postponing peace and ensure it begins in every home, community, and heart.
Uzor pointed out that the Enhanced Peace and Security component of the MORE Agenda aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, justice, and strong institutions. He explained that his office is mandated to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts through dialogue, sensitisation, advocacy, and grassroots enlightenment, while also operating the 4th Agenda radio programme on Delta Broadcasting Service to amplify peace messages and counter violence, hate speech, and intolerance.
According to him, deliberate peace efforts under the governor’s leadership have created an enabling environment for monumental projects across Warri and other parts of the state — including the Enerhen Flyover, stormwater drainage works, the Warri Township Stadium, and modern health facilities such as the Renewed Hope Mother and Child Hospital. He added that more peace translates to more development, unity, and progress.
The event also featured lectures by Professor Benjamin Uwomano Okpevra of Delta State University, Abraka, and Ambassador Caroline Usikpedo-Oliseowe of the International Human Rights Commission, who provided further perspectives on this year’s global theme.
Both the governor and his Special Adviser concluded that peace is not a distant aspiration but a daily responsibility, urging Deltans to act now for a peaceful Delta, Nigeria, and world.