Birth Anniversary: Chief Sunday Afore appeals for peace, unity among Ijaws in Delta 

By Monday Peters, Abuja

Foremost traditional Chief, Dr Sunday Afore has dedicated his birthday to advocate for peace and unity among Ijaw people in Delta State and beyond on Wednesday.

Afore who is doubled as a banker said he was grateful to God to mark another historic birthday, citing that he was also filled with pain over perceived disunity and issues that were threatening peace in the Ijaw Nation.

He further said that Ijaw needs strength, resilience, and unity over the threats around them, noting that competing ethnic groups have taken advantage of this disunity to cause a setback for Ijaw people in the state.

The statement reads, “On this special day, as I celebrate another year of my birth, I can’t help but think about the state of my beloved Ijaw people in Delta State. I am filled with both joy and pain as I reflect on our current situation.

I am filled with joy because I am grateful to be alive and witness another year of progress and growth. However, I am also filled with pain because I cannot fully celebrate when I see the disunity amongst my people. The Ijaws in Delta State are known for our strength, resilience, and unity, but in recent times, this unity has been threatened.

“Our competing ethnic groups have taken advantage of this disunity and it has caused a setback for our people. As a stakeholder, it pains me to see this and I know that it is time for us to come together and change the narrative.

That is why on this day, I dedicate my birth anniversary to the unity of all Ijaws in Delta State. Our strength lies in our unity and it is time for us to come together as brothers and sisters, and fight for our rights and representation.

“I call on all Ijaw leaders and individuals to put aside personal ambitions and come together for the greater good of our people. We cannot afford to be divided any longer, especially as we approach the gubernatorial election in 2031.

Let us advocate for truth and justice, for that is what we are known for. We must put an end to the division amongst us and unite in pursuit of our common goal – a better, stronger and more prosperous Delta State for all Ijaws.

“I urge all Mein, Bolou-toru, Tobu, and Gbaramatu Ijaws, and beyond, to join hands with me in this quest for unity. Let us make this the greatest gift anyone can give me on my birthday – the unity of all Ijaws.

I believe that with unity, we can achieve great things and overcome any challenges that may come our way. Let us honor our ancestors and preserve our heritage by standing together as one strong, united Ijaw people.

“I am Chief Dr Sunday Afore, and I am committed to this cause. I pray that on my next birthday, I will be able to celebrate a more united and prosperous Ijaw community in Delta State.

Thank you and God bless”.