Rotary Club Launches Community Violence Reduction Programme in Delta, Flags Off Grassroots Peace Initiative
By Wilson Macaulay
WARRI
The Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) – Nigeria Chapter, Delta State Branch has officially launched the National Community Violence Reduction Programme (NCVRP) in Delta State, alongside the Grassroot Peace and Security Assessment, in a bid to strengthen peace and security across communities.
The event, held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Petroleum Training institute Library Conference Room coincides with global preparations for the 2025 International Day of Peace themed “Act Now for a Peaceful World.”
Speaking at the briefing, the Delta State Coordinator of RAGFP, Past Assistant Governor (PAG) Mfon Otite-Douglas, described peace as the bedrock of development and prosperity. She stressed that the NCVRP was designed to tackle terrorism, banditry, cultism, youth restiveness, and gender-based violence, while restoring dignity and opportunities to vulnerable communities.
“Peace is not automatic; it must be built, nurtured, and defended every day,” she said, adding that the programme will run across all 25 LGAs in Delta State, with focus on youth, women, and victims of violence.
Launched nationally on August 13, 2025, by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser in partnership with the Gray Child Foundation and Rotary, the NCVRP is anchored on five pillars: strengthening community resilience, fostering social cohesion, improving governance, supporting vulnerable groups, and advancing peace policy frameworks.
PAG Otite-Douglas urged community leaders, government, the media, and the private sector to invest in livelihoods, skills, and initiatives that tackle the roots of violence, stressing that “this is not about waiting for Abuja, but empowering our communities to become frontline defenders of peace.”
The initiative is expected to ignite a new era of grassroots peacebuilding in Delta State, bridging divides and empowering communities to resist violence.
The event was graced by notable Rotary leaders including:
Rtn Malik Abubakar, President, Rotary Club Osubi, Rtn Daniel Agbro, Vice President, Rotary Club Osubi,Rtn Elvis Omoifo Irefo, President, Rotary Club Effurun, Rtn Emiko Akpita, President, Rotary Club Ubeji,
Rtn Festus Idabe, President, Rotary Club Plantation City,Rtn Michael Evah, Rotary Club Effurun Dynasty, President,
Rtn Okonkwo Ifolochukwuka, President, Rotary Club Edjeba and lots more.
