Members of the Rotary Club in Warri, alongside community leaders and stakeholders, have called for accelerated industrialisation and increased youth employment during a peace walk held across the Warri metropolis in Delta State.
The peace advocacy event took place on Sunday and aimed to promote harmony among the diverse ethnic communities living in the oil-rich region.
Participants stressed that lasting peace remains a crucial foundation for economic development, investment, and job creation for young people.
The walk began at Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church along Airport Road in Effurun. Participants moved through the Estate area before concluding the exercise at Angle Park Junction in Warri South Local Government Area.
Leading the procession was the Rotary Club president, Rotarian Chris Iyowaye, accompanied by fellow Rotarians and several prominent stakeholders.
The event attracted participants including Ogedegbe Lucky, Sheriff Mulade, Barber Ebi, Regina Edukugho, Bawo Oteri, Edafe Otafia, Tunde Odesanya, Ete-Ethel Anomuoghanran, Preye Foh, and Asheshe Vincent.
Other notable supporters present at the peace walk included Mike Agbona, Barry Kekai, Lion Olore Imokhe, and Lion Leri Iyowaye, among many others who joined the advocacy campaign.
Participants used the occasion to emphasize that peaceful coexistence among residents of Warri and surrounding communities is essential for attracting investment and driving sustainable economic growth.
According to them, stability and cooperation will encourage industries to thrive and create employment opportunities for the growing youth population.
Speaking during the event, Niger Delta environmentalist and rights activist Comrade Sheriff Mulade urged the Delta State Government to prioritise large-scale industrialisation as a long-term solution to unemployment and worsening socio-economic conditions.
Mulade acknowledged the government’s progress in road construction and infrastructure development but noted that unemployment among young people remains a pressing concern.
He recommended that authorities adopt people-focused industrial policies, strengthen support for small and medium-scale enterprises, and promote stronger private sector participation in economic development.
According to him, building a strong industrial base is the most sustainable path toward job creation, improved livelihoods, and lasting peace in Delta State and across Nigeria.
