As the sun set over the border communities of Cross River and Ebonyi States, a jubilant wave of celebration enveloped the region as the youths of these sister states commemorated 5 years of an enduring truce. The milestone signifies a monumental step towards peaceful resolution in an age-old boundary dispute that has marred the serenity of these lands for decades.
The commemoration, organized by the President of Cross River – Ebonyi Youths Peace Development Movement, Barrister Paschal Nwenyi, stood as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the youth in fostering harmonious cohabitation in the region. Nwenyi, in his impassioned address, articulated the profound significance of this event, emphasizing the collective resolve to collaborate with community-based peace structures and key stakeholders. This unified effort aims to fortify an effective conflict early warning response, thereby preventing future discord and fostering sustainable peace in the two sister states and beyond.
At the heart of this momentous occasion lay the formal inauguration of a Community-Based Early Warning-Early Response System (CB-CEWERS) by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Comprising members of the Cross River – Ebonyi Youths Peace Development Movement (CREBYPDM), this initiative symbolizes a proactive stance towards averting potential conflicts and sustaining the hard-earned peace within the region. Nwenyi eloquently portrayed the inauguration as a pivotal juncture marking the culmination of half a decade of tranquility and concord at the border coast of select areas in Ebonyi State.
In a poignant plea for unity, Nwenyi invoked the intrinsic value of the land, emphasizing its purpose as a legacy for future generations. “We were born to meet the land and will certainly die, leaving the land to the generations yet unborn. The purpose of the land is, therefore, to use it to take care of the living. Why then should we die for land instead of using it for sustenance? We need to bring our various claims to the table for peaceful options and resolutions. We need not to take the laws in our hands and be judge in our case.”
This clarion call for peaceful reconciliation encapsulated the collective spirit of the youth from both states, standing hand in hand with their stakeholders and champions of peace. Their systematic approach towards reclaiming lost peace served as a beacon of hope, igniting the flames of solidarity and cooperation.
Acknowledging the instrumental role of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Nwenyi lauded the audacious strides taken to reinforce the objectives of the Cross River and Ebonyi Youth Peace Development Movement, which has fervently dedicated itself to peace-building initiatives. Further, he extended commendations to the governors of Cross River and Ebonyi States, alongside their deputies and government functionaries, for their unwavering commitment to sustaining border peace.
The event, adorned with a tapestry of goodwill messages from stakeholders and a mesmerizing cultural troupe performance, provided a captivating tribute to the resilience and unity of purpose displayed by the two states. The traditional ruler of the host region, His Royal Highness Eze Oketa Sunday, exuded profound joy as he extolled the virtues of peace that now graced the land, unshackled from the burden of conflict.
As the echoes of this momentous celebration reverberated across the landscape, it served as a resounding testament to the power of unity, collaboration, and unwavering determination in forging a path towards lasting peace and communal harmony.
