The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade Ph.D, has reiterated the essence of its sponsored annual quiz and essay competition to "bridging the gap between the riverine/rural schools and their urban counterparts" in terms of quality learning, with an appeal to stakeholders in Delta State "to pay more attention to the State's educational sector especially riverine/rural schools".

The 2025 edition, which held at the Federal Government College in Warri, had 16 schools drawn from the eight LGAs of Delta South Senatorial District participating in the competitions on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

In his opening remark at the venue, Chief Mulade sued for peace among the Urhobo, Itsekiri and Ijaw ethnic nationalities in the district while also emphasize on the importance of education to a nation's growth and development.

Part of the presentation reads: "I am highly honoured and elated to welcome you all to the 2025 edition of the COMRADE MULADE SHERIFF inter-local government quiz cum essay competition for rural/riverine secondary schools in the eight (8) LGAs of Delta South Senatorial District.

"This annual competition is aimed at bridging the gap between the riverine/rural schools and their urban counterparts so that the riverine/rural schools can have a full taste of what they have been denied over time in terms of academic competition and exposure.

"We want to use this opportunity to strongly appeal to the three ethnic groups particularly (Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo) to shun violence and embraced peace in Warri Federal Constituency and as well promote peaceful coexistence among the ethnic nationalities in the communities within the Delta State, particularly Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Itsekiri people.

"The primary aim of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice is to promote educational awareness in the riverine/rural communities, and to assist the less privileged but highly intelligent students to pursue their education and career in life through scholarship support.

"The Center uses this medium to appeal to and charge the Delta State Government to pay more attention to the State's educational sector especially riverine/rural schools, while multinational oil companies operating within the area should channel more of their Corporate Social Responsibility functions to educational development that will help to eradicate illiteracy and reduce civil unrest in their operational areas in line with Goal 4 of the SDGs.

"The importance of Education in the advancement of a nation cannot be over emphasized. Education is the back bone and the live wire of any economy. Education is the bedrock of civilization. If you show me any nation that is backward in development, I will show you a nation that has less interest in quality educational advancement of the people and educational fraud and scam becomes the order of the day.

"If Nigeria, the most populous black race in the world, hope to meet up with high technological advancement, as seen in other civilized Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Canada, then the Country must take education seriously.

"The idea that our children and the next generation must be equiped and empowered educationally has been my goal. While for the government, let me sincerely appeal that as we constantly work to improve the standard of education in the country, riverine/rural areas must be given priority as it will help to advance our children and make them different from what I witnessed in my disadvantageous past.

"It is hoped that, as we continue with this effort of sensitizing, promoting and creating awareness of the importance of education, through very competitive activities other well-meaning Nigerians will join in this great desire to add value in the advancement of the youths through various knowledge based competitive activities that will stimulate learning," he added.

The CEPEJ Boss who vowed to continue his support for quality education and peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups, urged participants of the competitions to serve as beacon of hope especially in reviving educational ethics, and thanked other stakeholders for their support.

"It is worthy of note that, I Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD was a victim of lack of education because of the challenges of riverine terrain but I want to encourage you that you can make it to the top as long as you are committed to your studies. I am very committed to promoting and sustaining quality education and peace in Delta State at large, and I am ready to support and partner with individuals, CSOs, private and public organizations that will promote peaceful coexistence among Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw ethnic groups in Warri Federal Constituency.

"Those competing today are shining examples, I challenge them to always be exemplary from now henceforth and should constantly see themselves as beacon of hopes to their mates and those below them. There are no role models in our educational system anymore. The reasons are clear; schools have been corrupted and being exemplary hardly attract any reward.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Hon. Commissioner of Education, Chief Inspectors of Education of the eight (8) LGAs and their staff for their commitment and encouragement towards making the programme a reality and success. I equally appreciate the facilitators and the panellists for their roles in spite of their tight schedules.”

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