Yemisi Izuora
Various ethnic groups in Lagos have endorsed initiative for peaceful coexistence that will enhance socio-economic development of the the state.
The groups drawn from Niger Delta, Fulani, Hausa, Ijaw, Middle Belt and Igbo among others formed part of a large summit organised by Journalists for Democratic Rights, JODER, with the theme, ‘Engaging The Media, Socio, Ethnic And Community Based Organisations For Reconciliation And Conflict Prevention In Lagos’, and supported by the Ford Foundation and Institute of International Education, IIE.
In his opening remarks, executive secretary of JODER, Adewale Adeoye, reminded participants of the grave consequences of conflicts influenced by ethnic and religious intolerance.
Adeoye, said the summit has become imperative considering that Lagos is densely populated with huge diverse ethnic concentration which requires consistent engagement and conversations around peace and tolerance.
He said JODER with support of IIE and Ford Foundation has made it possible for similar summit to hold in Kaduna, Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Maiduguri and now Lagos.
During previous summits, organisers identified and engaged key actors in conflicts and facilitated constructive round table engagement towards peace and mutual cooperation.
Adeoye, said that the initiative has deployed various methods including roundtable discussion, town hall meetings and advocacy visits to engage actors in conflicts alongside other stakeholders.
He said during the engagements it was discovered that ethnicity, indigenous issues, religion, poverty, unemployment, proliferation of arms among others were major causes of conflicts in the country.
Also in his presentation, Mr. Wale Osun, member of the North East Development Commission, said social class system, economic class system are part of causes of conflicts.
Osun, said until the system offer fair and equitable opportunities for all classes of people in the education system and employment conflicts will continue to exist.
Mr. Seye Oyeleye, Director General of the Development Agenda For Western Nigeria, DAWN, said the establishment of the South West Security Initiative, that gave birth to Amotekun was a direct response to the rising insecurity in the country.
Oyeleye, said when fully operational Amotekun will restore investors confidence in the region and create sense of belonging to other ethnic and minority groups resident in the region.
Speaking also, Comrade Werenipre Digifa leader of the Supreme Egbesu Assembly commended establishment of Amotekun in the West, Shege Ka Fasa in North West, as they will help to protect lives and properties of law abiding citizens.
Digifa, blamed politicians for inspiring and intensifying ethnic divide.