Youth leader from oil-rich Kokodiagbene Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade Jackson Timiyan, Ph.D, has called on stakeholders of Warri and humanity at large to embrace and promote peaceful coexistence always.

Dr. Jackson made the call at a Memorial Lecture titled, "The Cruelty of War and the Necessity for Peace: A Trajectory of the Effects of the Warri Crisis", he delivered in the Life Church of God Ministry in Warri, on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

The memorial was in honour of his blessed late mother, Mrs Akasa-ere Timiyan, who alongside his little sister and 13-year-old cousin who were killed during the Warri crisis in 1999.

During his lecture, Dr. Timiyan revealed that his mother, in her early 40's, departed to the great beyond on May 10, 1999, hence making it 27 years by the year 2026 since her death which was brought about by conflict.

He noted that while there are bound to be conflicts, which are brought about by undue competition for resource control by humans, however Dr. Timiyan stated that conflict is an evil that should not be encouraged, describing it as "wicked" and that peace is a "necessity".

Describing his late mother as a very caring woman, he revealed that she laid the foundation for his success, ensuring he got the best education by relocating him from the creeks to the urban area, as well as making provisions for his needs through her fishing occupation.

While highlighting the devastating effects of war, Dr. Timiyan stress the need for stakeholders to sustain the prevailing peace in Warri and its environs as well as pursue peace at all times.

The Memorial Lecture was followed by a Thanksgiving by Dr. Timiyan in celebration of, and in appreciation to God for granting him the grace to attain the peak of academic excellence with the successful completion of his PhD programme in the prestigious Delta State University, Abraka.

Speaking earlier, the General Overseer of Life Church of God Ministry, Rev. Jethro Ayemobuwa commended Dr. Timiyan for returning to appreciate God over his academic success, and for honoring the memory and legacy of his late mother.

He emphasized the important role that mothers play in a family and in society, and urged members of the congregation to always appreciate and cherish mothers. 

The dual ceremonies was attended by members of Kokodiagbene Community and Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Warri South-West Political Alliance, Niger Delta Women Foundation, among several others.

View more photos from the memorial lecture/thanksgiving: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GTRY9ESWh/

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