Warri: Awani deepens advocacy for peaceful coexistence, parleys Itsekiri youths

Less than two weeks after engaging youths and other critical stakeholders of Urhobo and Ijaw ethnic nationalities in Warri Federal Constituency, former President of Itsekiri National Youths Council and legal practitioner, Barr. Esimaje Vincent Awani, on Tuesday October 21, deepened his advocacy for peaceful coexistence, by parleying Itsekiri youths/stakeholders.

Our Principal Correspondent, reports that the interactive engagement, which held at the prestigious GT Event Centre, Warri, saw Barr. Awani charging the youths on the need to get more involved in politics, be among the positive change makers and shun characters determined to plunge Warri into another round of ethnic crisis.

The former Itsekiri youth leader and politician, cum peace advocate, noted: “I have taken it upon myself, to push for peace. I have spoken with our Urhobo brothers at the heart of the whole problem and they listened. We also went to the Ijaws and they were very happy to receive us.

“Warri is now like a shadow of itself, with markets closing as early as 6pm, which is not what the next generation should inherit.

"Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is doing his best to ensure that there is development in Warri and its environs. He prides himself as a 'Warri Boy.' One of his main focuses is to ensure that there's infrastructural development in Warri.

“No community or city, can thrive in the presence of crisis. I am appealing to the youths to give peace a chance; husband and wife, should preach peace in their various homes.

“The issue at hand is very complex, not something the local government chairman alone can handle.

Photo-Grid of cross-section of some Itsekiri youths/stakeholders at the meeting 

“The essence of the parley, is for you that are gathered here (referring to the youths) to take the message to your brothers and sisters, to give peace a chance for progress and unity.”

Barr. Awani, urged Itsekiris to key into The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III’s inauguration of the Ugbarajor Itsekiri Youths, saying it would move Warri kingdom forward, even as he cautioned youths against insulting traditional rulers in Warri and environs.

Well-known Itsekiri community leader and exponent of grassroots development, Mr. David Odeli, who also addressed the Itsekiri youths, commended Barr. Awani, for the peace moves, praying God to guide and bless him.

While advising against the reckless use of social media to cause tension amongst the different ethnic groups in Warri Federal Constituency, Odeli, appealed to the press to use their platforms to continually propagate peace.

Another Itsekiri stakeholder, Morris Gbenebitse, encouraged Itsekiri youths to preach peace and practice it consistently, in order to boost the economy of Warri.

Solomon Ojobor and a former Okere Youth Chairman, Lucky Ogbolomor, were among notable Itsekiri youths that spoke at the meeting. They commended Barr. Awani for his courage in soliciting peace among the various ethnic groups in the area.

Fresh Angle International, can report that a minute silence was observed in honour of the immediate past Ag. President of Itsekiri National Youths Council, Comrade Godwin Utieyin (AKA Odudukele) Dele Ogunbayo and Jerry Aduara. The trio, recently passed in different circumstances.

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