By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

BOMADI—The president and founder of the Institute of Peace, Conflict Resolution and Entrepreneurial Research, IPCER, Archbishop Prof. Alex Okubo Eseimokumoh, has established peace and conflict resolution centres in Bayelsa and Delta rural communities to forestall communal and inter-personal conflicts for peace and development to thrive in the creeks.

Eseimokumoh disclosed IPCER’s peace efforts, yesterday, at the occasion of the induction ceremony of new members from various professions into the body in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

He explained that the aim and objectives of IPCER were to promote positive peace and make a livable world for all, stressing IPCER had over fifty ways to promote peace and five ways to make a livable world.

He said: “Peace and conflict resolution has become the tool for building a better life and society, it is a weapon for participating in global peacekeeping, promoting political stability, enhancing and proffering principles and opinions for peaceful coexistence.

“IPCER has the potential for reducing crises and can assist government tremendously in finding proactive solutions to anticipated crisis situations through our modern peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace building techniques.

“We have, however, resolved to establish IPCER centres in rural communities in Bayelsa and Delta states, and currently the establishment of the Ebedebiri Centre with the immediate appointment of the chairman of Ijaw National Congress, INC, Tarakiri Clan, Bayelsa State, Hon. (Dr) Godswill Selekeowei as presiding officer”.

However, Dr Selekeowei, who was an inductee, said that his job as INC leader of the clan involved resolving conflicts and misunderstandings since assumption of office.

“Since my three years as chairman of INC in the clan, I have been deeply involved in handling similar issues and with this appointment, I will strive harder to ensure the IPCER Centre is put in place in the shortest possible time.

“We have gone beyond the days of fighting and quarrelling, and if there is no peace in our society, there is no place to live a comfortable life. So, my advice to all and sundry is that we need peace for development, progress and life to thrive in our various habitations”, Dr Selekeowei said.