IYC, EYC and Egbema Leaders Launch Historic Peace Process to Resolve Abere–Ajakurama Boundary Dispute
Barr. Amatelemowei A. Sode Leads Reconciliation Efforts as Stakeholders Embrace Dialogue
Hope for a lasting resolution to the longstanding boundary dispute between Abere and Ajakurama communities was rekindled on Friday as the Ijaw Youth Council (Egbema Clan), Egbema Youth Council (EYC), community chairmen, community National Presidents, traditional leaders, women, youths, and stakeholders converged at Ofunama for the maiden meeting of the Ad Hoc Peace and Reconciliation Committee established to address the lingering disagreement.
The meeting, chaired by Barr. Amatelemowei A. Sode, President of the Egbema Youth Council Worldwide and Chairman of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, marked the beginning of what many stakeholders described as a historic journey toward restoring harmony, brotherhood, and sustainable peace among the affected communities. Barr. Sode, a legal practitioner and youth leader known for his advocacy for peace and development in Egbema Kingdom, emphasized the necessity of dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding in resolving communal disagreements.
Addressing participants during the meeting, Barr. Sode reiterated that no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of hostility and division, stressing that the committee’s primary objective is to foster reconciliation and ensure that both communities arrive at a mutually acceptable and lasting solution.
The gathering attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including IYC, EYC, community chairmen, national Chairmen, chiefs, elders, women leaders, youth representatives, and concerned citizens from various parts of Egbema Kingdom. Participants unanimously agreed that a gradual and consultative approach would provide the best opportunity for achieving genuine reconciliation.
Following extensive deliberations, the committee resolved to engage separately with the leadership and stakeholders of Abere and Ajakurama communities before convening a joint reconciliation session. The separate meetings, scheduled to take place tomorrow, are expected to provide each community with the opportunity to present its concerns, grievances, and expectations in a peaceful and respectful environment.
Stakeholders noted that the strategy would help eliminate misconceptions, build confidence among the parties, and create a conducive atmosphere for meaningful dialogue when both communities eventually meet at a common table.
Chiefs and elders present at the meeting called on community members to avoid provocative actions and inflammatory statements capable of undermining the peace process. Women leaders equally appealed for calm, reminding residents that peace remains indispensable for the social and economic advancement of the kingdom.
Youth representatives from across Egbema Kingdom also pledged their support for the reconciliation initiative, assuring the committee of their commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and discouraging any form of violence or hostility.
A major highlight of the meeting was the collective agreement by participants to encourage both communities to accept and respect any resolution reached through the reconciliation process, provided such resolutions are founded on justice, fairness, equity, and the overall interest of peace.
The atmosphere at the conclusion of the meeting was characterized by optimism and renewed confidence. Many participants expressed the belief that the intervention of the committee under the leadership of Barr. Amatelemowei A. Sode would pave the way for a comprehensive settlement of the dispute and strengthen the bonds of unity among the people of Egbema Kingdom.
As the committee proceeds with its engagements with Abere and Ajakurama, expectations remain high that the process will usher in a new era of cooperation, mutual respect, and enduring peace between the two neighbouring communities.
Source: GlobalEgberiTV Media
Homepage: https://globalegberi.com.ng
Published By: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
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