(DDM) – Ambassador Chief Godwin Okporoko has called on the Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri communities in Warri Federal Constituency to prioritize peace and unity.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) notes that Okporoko, the Executive Assistant on Security to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, warned that renewed ethnic tensions could severely disrupt economic activities in Warri, the state’s oil hub.
He noted that the three communities are linked not only by geography but also through intermarriages, shared businesses, and long-standing social ties, emphasizing the importance of co-existence.
Okporoko stated that youths in particular must be discouraged from engaging in acts of violence, which he said would only reverse the developmental progress underway in the city.
He highlighted that the Delta State government has embarked on multiple projects, including road rehabilitation, solar street lighting, and urban renewal schemes, all aimed at reviving Warri as a vibrant economic center.
“These efforts will only succeed if peace is maintained,” Okporoko said, adding that investor confidence is returning to the city, but continued development depends on the safety and stability of communities.
He urged community leaders to take proactive steps in educating their residents on the dangers of ethnic hostilities and to foster dialogue across the Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri communities.
Okporoko also emphasized the economic consequences of unrest, explaining that any disruption could threaten jobs, halt infrastructure projects, and destabilize the oil industry that sustains much of Warri’s economy.
He called on the traditional rulers and opinion leaders to serve as mediators, reminding them that their influence is crucial in guiding the youth and maintaining social harmony.
The ambassador further noted that Warri’s residents have historically relied on mutual cooperation to drive commerce and growth, and that rekindling hostilities would set back decades of progress.
Okporoko concluded that lasting peace is essential not only for economic revival but also for social cohesion and the survival of Warri as a key city in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
He appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration, urging everyone to view peace as a shared responsibility that benefits the entire community.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Okporoko’s intervention comes amid rising concerns over inter-ethnic disputes in Warri, with authorities seeking to prevent further escalation ahead of ongoing state development initiatives.
Community leaders have reportedly welcomed the call for unity, reiterating their commitment to working together to preserve stability, protect investments, and safeguard the livelihoods of residents.
The security aide stressed that the prosperity of Warri, including job creation and infrastructural expansion, hinges on ethnic groups embracing tolerance, collaboration, and a peaceful coexistence.