Comrade Toluwa Mulade, President of the Riverine Peace Initiative in Niger Delta (RPIND), has declared that lasting peace in the Niger Delta will remain elusive without justice, environmental protection, economic opportunities, and the meaningful inclusion of youths and women in decision-making. Mulade made this declaration in a statement commemorating the 2026 International Day of Peace. He emphasized that peace must go beyond ceremonies and political speeches.
According to Mulade, environmental degradation, unemployment, poverty, insecurity, marginalization, and the destruction of traditional livelihoods continue to fuel grievances across the region. He noted that a region that contributes significantly to Nigeria's economic wealth should not continue to battle pollution, poor infrastructure, unemployment, and declining livelihoods. The RPIND President stressed that "peace is not merely the absence of violence, but the presence of justice, dignity, security, opportunity, and hope."
Mulade called on the Federal and state governments, local authorities, traditional institutions, oil companies, security agencies, civil society, and development partners to adopt a people-centered approach to peacebuilding in the Niger Delta. He particularly urged greater investment in youth education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, employment, and technology, noting that empowering young people is both an economic and security strategy. Mulade emphasized that an unemployed and frustrated young population is vulnerable to manipulation by criminal and violent elements.
The RPIND President identified environmental justice as central to peace and security, warning that pollution and destruction of fishing and farming livelihoods can deepen poverty, anger, and conflict. He demanded stronger environmental regulation, corporate accountability, and greater participation of host communities in decisions concerning their environment and natural resources. Mulade also advocated for community-based early-warning and early-response mechanisms, saying residents often have the earliest knowledge of emerging tensions and security threats.
Mulade urged traditional rulers, women and youth groups, religious leaders, community associations, and security agencies to strengthen dialogue, information-sharing, and conflict-prevention mechanisms. He tasked the media to intensify the promotion of responsible reporting, countering misinformation, and highlighting successful peacebuilding initiatives rather than narratives that deepen division. The RPIND President reaffirmed RPIND's commitment to peace, justice, human rights, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the Niger Delta.
Mulade emphasized that stakeholders must choose dialogue over violence, justice over impunity, inclusion over exclusion, and development over deprivation. He urged stakeholders to use the 2026 International Day of Peace to renew their commitment to a Niger Delta where young people have hope, women have a voice, livelihoods are protected, the environment is respected, and citizens can live with dignity and without fear.
The Riverine Peace Initiative in Niger Delta (RPIND) has reiterated its commitment to promoting peace and sustainable development in the region. As the 2026 International Day of Peace is marked, stakeholders are called upon to support initiatives that foster peace, justice, and environmental sustainability in the Niger Delta. Key to this effort is the empowerment of youths and the protection of the environment.
Key points
- Comrade Toluwa Mulade calls for a people-centered approach to peacebuilding in the Niger Delta.
- Environmental justice is central to peace and security in the region.
- Empowering young people is crucial for both economic and security strategies.
