In a remarkable display of commitment to peaceful coexistence, the youths of Cross River and Ebonyi States recently celebrated the 5-year truce, signifying a significant milestone in resolving the longstanding border dispute between their communities. The commemoration marked the end of hostilities and communal conflicts, underscoring a collective determination to foster harmony and collaboration moving forward.
The boundary conflicts between these two sister states have a history rooted in territorial disagreements, leading to unfortunate clashes resulting in loss of lives and destruction of valuable property. However, the recent celebration stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the youth in embracing a peaceful resolution to these longstanding issues.
During the event, Barrister Paschal Nwenyi, the President of Cross River – Ebonyi Youths Peace Development Movement, expressed profound joy, highlighting the overarching aim to enhance conflict prevention by collaborating with community-based peace structures and critical stakeholders. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of developing an effective conflict early warning response system, with a focus on nurturing sustainable peace within the two sister states and across Nigeria as a whole.
One of the pivotal announcements made during the celebration was the formal inauguration of a Community-Based Early Warning-Early Response System (CB-CEWERS) by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution. This system comprises members of the Cross River – Ebonyi Youths Peace Development Movement (CREBYPDM), signaling a proactive approach to preempting and swiftly addressing potential conflicts in the future.
In his address, Nwenyi eloquently encapsulated the essence of peaceful resolution, emphasizing the need to prioritize sustenance over strife. He iterated, “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 take the laws into our hands and be the judge in our case.”
Moreover, the ceremonial marking of the 5-year truce is poised to catalyze collaborative negotiations, multi-stakeholder engagement, and census-building, all of which are vital for aligning interests and fostering a common agenda aimed at consolidating peace and unity within the diverse communities.
Notable recognition was extended to the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja, for its steadfast commitment to strengthening the objectives of the Cross River and Ebonyi Youth Peace Development Movement (CREBYPDM). Furthermore, commendations were also directed towards the respective state governors, Bassey Otu of Cross River State and Chief Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, along with their deputies and government functionaries, for their unwavering contributions to sustaining border peace.
The outpouring of appreciation also embraced the traditional rulers, the clergy, and all citizens of the two states, particularly those from the previously conflict-affected areas, for championing peace and allowing tranquility to flourish in their vicinities over the past five years.
The event was further elevated by the presentation of goodwill messages from stakeholders representing both states, coupled with a captivating cultural troupe performance. The palpable joy and camaraderie exhibited during the celebration vividly encapsulated the resounding commitment to fostering enduring peace and collaboration between the youths of Cross River and Ebonyi States.
As the traditional ruler from Ebonyi State, His Royal Highness Eze Oketa Sunday, expressed elation over the hard-earned harmony prevailing between the two states, the celebratory atmosphere reverberated with hope and optimism for a future defined by unity and mutual respect.
The celebration of the 5-year truce stands as a poignant testament to the power of collective determination and collaboration in forging a path toward sustainable peace and coexistence, resonating far beyond the borders of Cross River and Ebonyi States, serving as an inspiration for harmonious resolutions to border disputes worldwide.
