Date: 2017-11-30

In continuation of its ‘Building a People of Peace Programme’, the Kwara State Directorate of National Orientation Agency (NOA) has initiated a process of securing a lasting solution to the recurring land dispute between Offa and Erin-Ile communities.

Speaking at the Olofa’s palace recently, the Acting Director of NOA in the state, Olusegun Adeyemi, appreciated the efforts of Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye in ensuring harmonious existence between Offa and Erin-Ile people. He emphasised the federal government’s desire for peace to reign in every community, adding that it is a task that traditional rulers must continually uphold.

In his remarks, Oba Gbadamosi, emphasised the need for peaceful co-existence, adding that Offa is committed to living harmoniously with neighbouring for development.

At the palace of Elerin of Erin-Ile, HRH, Oba Abdulganiyu Ajibola Olusookun II commended NOA’s effort in building peace in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

He called on the government to be more committed and sincere in dealing with parties whenever conflicts arise. He further urged adherents of both the Islamic and Christian religion to shun fanatical tendencies, which are capable of snowballing into violence. Speaking further, Oba Ajibola urged the people of Erin-Ile to continually explore means of establishing friendly relationship with Offa community.

In a related development, as part of its efforts to broker a lasting peace and ensure the sustenance of harmonious co-existence between Share and Tsaragi communities, the Kwara State Directorate of NOA has organised an inter-community dialogue between the two neighbouring communities aimed at quashing the recurrent land dispute in the area.

The dialogue session held at the border between the two communities had in attendance community leaders, youth leaders and women Leaders. Also present were the Babaloja of Share, Baale of Share, students and security men from the two communities.

While making short presentation at the forum, the NOA Acting Director, Olusegun Adeyemi, extolled the virtues of the Olupako of Share and Etsu Tsaragi for the maturity with which they handled the last communal clash between the two communities.

He however appealed to them to ensure that disagreements are not allowed to degenerate into violent situations as peaceful living is the only recipe for development