The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his proactive efforts in sustaining peace and unity in the Warri area amid emerging tensions arising from ward delineation issues.
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In a press statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF praised the governor’s consistent engagement with stakeholders across the state, noting that his peace-building initiatives began well before his recent visit to Warri on June 8, 2026.
According to the statement, Governor Oborevwori had earlier convened peace meetings in Asaba involving key stakeholders before holding direct consultations with Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo leaders in Warri over concerns generated by the ward delineation exercise.
PANDEF emphasized the long-standing historical and cultural ties among the three ethnic nationalities, describing Warri as one of Nigeria’s most remarkable centres of culture, commerce, and coexistence.
The forum noted that for centuries, the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo people have lived together peacefully, traded together, intermarried, and built enduring relationships that transcend political and administrative boundaries.
“Warri is one of Nigeria’s most amazing cities of culture and tradition. For hundreds of years, the three ethnic groups have lived together, traded together, intermarried, spoken each other’s languages and built a unique and awe-inspiring heritage,” PANDEF stated.
The organization urged community leaders and residents to protect the unity that has defined the region for generations, stressing that peace remains essential to the future prosperity of the area.
Quoting an African proverb, PANDEF noted: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” adding that the cultural bonds shared by the people of Warri are stronger than political disagreements or boundary disputes.
The forum particularly appealed to young people across Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of division, violence, or conflict.
“PANDEF calls on our sons and daughters of Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North to appreciate the fact that they are the custodians of tomorrow and must not allow themselves to be used as tools of division or destruction. The rich future which the Warri dream holds will only exist if there is peace today,” the statement read.
The organization also cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric on social media and encouraged residents to reject divisive narratives capable of undermining harmony within the region.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace-building, PANDEF pledged to continue undertaking confidence-building measures across communities to rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and reinforce unity among the various ethnic groups.
Furthermore, the forum expressed its readiness to support all initiatives aimed at promoting justice, fairness, equity, and sustainable development for the benefit of all communities in the Warri area.
“Consistent with its mandate, PANDEF will continue to play its role in peace-making and peace-building. We will continue to undertake various confidence-building measures across the communities to rebuild trust and reinforce unity,” Ambassador Igali stated.
The statement concluded with a renewed call for dialogue, mutual understanding, and collective responsibility in preserving the peace and stability of Warri and the wider Niger Delta region. :::
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