INC Election: Read the intimidating profile & Manifesto of Alaowei Fred Owotorufa
For
PRESIDENT, IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC).
A GREATER, UNITED IJAW NATION
INTRODUCTION:
I was born on 5th November, 1953 to Mr. and Mrs. Owotorufa Ebbi of Oboro Community, Zadobiri Clan in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. I am married with children, and grandchildren. I am seeking for election into the office of President, Ijaw National Congress (INC), to work with you and drive the Ijaw nation to enviable heights. From my modest experience, I have a deep understanding of the Ijaw Question and the aspirations of our people for a life of abundance and dignity. When I am successful, as you repose your trust in me, I promise to work with all sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation globally and collaborate with every of her friends, also fostering new relationships to deliver on the dream of A GREATER, UNITED IJAW NATION.
Educational Qualification;
I am a Barrister-at-Law with over 31 years post-call experience at the Nigerian Bar. I have diverse experience in the public and private sectors spanning well over 35 years in Public Law Enforcement, Industrial and Oil & Gas Security, Negotiation, Crisis Management, Conflict Resolution & Disaster Recovery, Strategy, Critical National Infrastructure Protection and Leadership.
Specifically, I hold Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hon) degree obtained in 1987 from University of Lagos, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989. Below is a summary of my educational qualifications:
Nigerian Law School, Lagos 1989
Barrister-at-Law
University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria 1987
Bachelor of Laws [Hon] degree
GCE Advanced Level 1974
GCE Ordinary Level 1973/75
Local Authority Primary School, Oboro 1960-1965
*PROFESSIONAL* *EXPERIENCE*
October 2015 – Date: Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Frefa Investment Co. Ltd
May 2010 – Sept.2015: General Manager, Group Security Department, Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
2008 – April 2010: General Manager, Security Services Division, Chevron Nigeria Limited
(Territorial security responsibility for Chevron Operations in Nigeria SBU)
2003 – 2007: Security Operations Manager, Chevron Nigeria Limited (Territorial
security responsibility for Chevron Operations in Nigeria)
2002 – 2003: Manager, Government & Public Affairs, Eastern Operations
(Bayelsa, Rivers and Imo States), Chevron Nigeria Limited
1998 – 2001: Manager, Security & Community Matters, Texaco Overseas (Nigeria)
Petroleum Co. Unlimited
1996 – 1998: Chief Security Officer, Ashland Oil (Nigeria) Co. Unlimited (Lagos, Rivers,
Imo, Cross River & Offshore)
1970 – 1996: Nigeria Police Force – Enlisted as Recruit Constable. Voluntary Retirement
as Deputy Supt of Police 25 years ago
*MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS*
I have over 10 years' Board Room experience from 1999 – 2010, in Chevron/Texaco International Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria/Mid Africa Strategic Business Unit (NMASBU) and delivered optimal results with significant value additions to shareholder returns. The companies are:
1999 – 2005: Texaco Overseas (Nigeria) Petroleum Co. Unlimited
2000 – 2005: Chevron Oil (Nigeria) Co. Limited
2000 – April 2010: Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited (Agbami)
2000 – April 2010: Star Outer Shelf Petroleum Limited
2000 – April 2010: Star Ultra Deepwater Petroleum Limited
2000 – April 2010: Texaco Nigeria Outer Shelf Limited
2005 – Member, Board of Trustees, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State
2010 - Member, Board of Trustees, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria 2020 2020- Date Non-Executive Director, UK-Dion Investment Limited, Lagos
*PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION*
I am a member of several professional bodies and associations locally and abroad as indicated below:
Member, Nigerian Bar Association
Member, Nigerian Institute of Management
Member, American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)
Member, Nine Live Associates (Executive Protection Institute)
Member, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, USA
Certified Fraud Examiner, USA
Member, Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Fellow, Institute of Credit Administration
Honorary Special Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission
*National ASSIGNMENTS*
2001 – 2002: Chevron Representative on the Presidential Special Security Committee on Oil Producing Areas (General Alex Ogomudia Committee) – The Report formed part of the blueprint for the Federal Government of Nigeria initiative on security and socio-economic development of the Niger Delta States.
2011-2014: NNPC Representative on National Security Adviser’s Committee on Critical National Assets & Infrastructure (AVM O.O Faloyin Committee) – A Comprehensive Report & Asset Protection Plan was developed and submitted for identified CNAs.
2011: NNPC Representative on National Security Adviser’s Committee on Security Challenges in the Nation’s Maritime Environment (Major-Gen G Wahab Committee) - A Comprehensive Report was submitted to Chief of Defence Staff
2013–Aug 2015: NNPC Representative on National Steering Committee for Implementation of International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code coordinated by NIMASA (The Designated Authority)
2013 – Aug 2015: NNPC Representative at National Economic Council Committee (NEC) on Crude Oil Theft, Prevention and Control chaired by the Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel E. Uduaghan.
2014 – Aug 2015: Alternate Chairman, Sub-Committee on Inventory & Disposal of Impounded & Abandoned Items relating to Crude Oil Theft, Prevention & Control
2014–Aug 2015: NNPC Focal Point of Contact with Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Establishment of Nigerian Energy Security Command & Falcon Eye Projects for emplacement of critical security infrastructure & surveillance of Nigeria’s maritime domain
*OTHER SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS & POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY HELD*
2000: Ensured and facilitated sponsorship by Texaco Overseas Petroleum Co Unlimited of high-powered BYSG delegation led by His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha to meet with Texaco Corporation executives in Houston, USA. His Excellency was able to personally lay before the oil executives his well-articulated global vision and plan for the Niger Delta region using that platform to sensitize the IOCs and MDs’ forum of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture on sustainable development and transformation of the region. He also demanded for renaming of the prolific Agbami field (250,000 bbls/day) in deep offshore, Bayelsa to an Ijaw name “TORU-PULOU.” Furthermore, His Excellency reiterated and demanded for relocation of ALL IOC HQtrs. from Lagos to their states of production, and ownership of oil blocs by Niger Delta indigenes. This trip resulted in part, in new thinking of the IOCs and led to the setting up and or strengthening of their Liaison Offices in Yenagoa and other state capitals. It also promoted closer collaboration and cooperation between the IOCs and the communities, local and state governments on revenue matters, job creation and contracts. A flurry of engagements occurred between the Governor, BYSG senior officials, Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the MDs of Chevron subsequently.
2001- Feb 2002: As a representative of Chevron Nigeria Limited on the Presidential Special Security Committee on Oil Producing Areas, I worked assiduously and collaboratively with the Committee (General Alex Ogomudia Committee). Effectively lobbied members of the committee and made profound recommendations to the Federal Government. Report was submitted to the President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday, 19th February, 2002. The report formed part of the blue print for the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta by the Federal Government. Three of the key recommendations that provoked acrimony among certain members of the committee, but were adopted and presented after protracted debate are:
“Upward review of the minimum 13% derivation to NOT LESS THAN 50%.
Immediate commencement of the trans-coastal highway from Ondo State to Cross River State.
Provision of marine/coastal mass transit transportation system.”
2003 – Inda Flow Station & Bonny Lact, Bonny: As Manager, Government and Public Affairs, Eastern Operations of Chevron Nigeria Ltd, I worked strenuously and collaboratively with Divisional Management and against stiff opposition, secured “Host Community Status” recognition with attendant benefits approved by Chevron Management for Bonny Kingdom. Hitherto, Bonny was treated as “Impact Community” and therefore not deserving of full corporate patronage i.e. enhanced secondary and university scholarships, employment, contracts, community welfare etc. .
2005 - Olokola Gas Project (about $6 billion): Ensured direct employment of Arogbo Ijaw and Ilaje indigenes on the project situated in Ondo/Ogun State.
2005/2006 – Robertkiri Flow Station, Kula: Worked strenuously with His Excellency, The Executive Governor, Dr. Peter Odili and senior RVSG officials to avert what would have passed for an invasion of Kula community by government security forces during Chief Opusingi’s leadership, when the oil facility was seriously vandalized and massively looted by “fleeing unknown IYC members.”
2003 – Abiteye Swamp Re-Entry: As Team Lead, collaborated with in-house cross functional work groups, and effectively worked with DTSG under His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Chief James Ibori, who personally led Chevron Management back to Abiteye, Makaraba, Otunana, Olero Creek, Opuekeba (offshore Ondo State) etc. to resume production operations after the Ijaw/Itsekiri ethnic crisis.
2006: As Team Lead, I convinced Chevron management to grant approval for a Pipelines and Facilities Surveillance Program (PFSP) with Ijaw, Ilaje, and Itsekiri Regional Development Councils in Chevron’s Western Niger Delta Operations. Initiative led to massive reduction in pipelines vandalism and crude oil theft in company areas of operations. This initiative provided over 300 jobs to indigenes of Ijaw communities in the catchment areas.
2004 – 2006: Was Co-Team Lead, Chevron-facilitated Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) Work Group with communities in CNL. Worked well with several communities and stakeholders for sustainable development, empowerment and capacity building initiatives in company areas of operation.
2006 – 2010: Facilitated the award of specialized training contract to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from the Ijaw nation on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR). The program is designed to reduce potential human rights abuses by armed security personnel. It is still running, and has trained over 5,000 Ijaw sons and daughters, alongside Government Security Force personnel.
2009 – Facilitated/coordinated the donation of food and relief materials by Chevron Nigeria Limited through the Regional Development Council (RDC) to DTSG Rehabilitation Centre, Ogbe-Ijoh during the aerial bombardment of Camp 5 and Oporoza in Gbaramatu on May 13 and May 15, 2009 by the military Joint Task Force.
2014-2015: Gas Revolution Industrial Park Project, Delta State ($16 billion): This is a USD16 billion project consisting among other plants, Fertilizer, Petrochemicals, Methanol, Deep Sea Port etc. The issue of project location, project naming snow-balled into major intra (Ugborodo) and inter-ethnic (Itsekiri-Ijaw) crisis resulting in fatalities. Location of the Deep-Sea Port was a major challenge as neither side would give up on its claims. After working several months with the communities, DTSG, the two ethnic groups of Itsekiri and Ijaw, senior military and police personnel: Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Air Force and Delta Waterways Security Committee under the joint Chairmanship of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Dele Ezeoba and IGP MD Abubakar. Recommendation was strongly supported and accepted by the Hon Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr Diezani Alison-Madueke and approval was granted by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2015 for the Deep-Sea Port component of the project to be located at Gbaramatu (from Ikpokpo). In the words of His Excellency:
“By 2017, we will position Nigeria as the regional hub for gas-based industries
such as Fertilizer, Petrochemicals and Methanol.”
1983/84: National President, National Union of Izon-Ebe Students – successfully hosted the National Conference of Izon-Ebe Students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Conference was held at Oboro Community, and lasted three (3) days. Goodwill messages were received from Ijaw leaders of thought and witnessed by former students’ representatives.
1983-1985: Chapter President (concurrently serving as National President 1983-1984), National Union of Izon-Ebe Students (University of Lagos Chapter). Successfully mobilized Izon-Ebe students at the university from across Ondo, Bendel, Rivers and South Eastern States for greater consciousness in Izon affairs, fostering unity and brotherhood.
Contributed to various IYC initiatives in the wake of the Kaiama Declaration of 1998, and the restoration of peace. Supported IYC in several roles up to and including 2015.
Contributed variously to regional peace and stability during the Ijaw/Itsekiri Ethnic Crisis in Warri and environs in the 1990s.
Contributed massively to regional peace and stability by preventing what would have passed for acts of genocide in Oboro Community by government security forces in 1996/1997.
Contributed variously to regional peace and stability during the Odi massacre of 1999, by government security forces.
Worked collaboratively with relevant persons and authorities in Ashland Oil, Texaco Overseas, ChevronTexaco, Star Deep Petroleum Limited, NNPC and provided appropriate employments, and contracts for deserving persons of the Izon nation.
Facilitated and provided company-funded scholarships at secondary and tertiary levels for persons across various communities of the Izon nation.
Collaborated and facilitated Human Capital Development programs for Izon sons and daughters, locally and abroad.
*AWARDS RECEIVED*
2001: Texaco Overseas (Nig.) Petroleum Co Un’ltd. MD’s Performance Award (Twice)
1998: Texaco Inc. President’s Outstanding Contributors Award
*COURSES/CONFERENCES ATTENDED*
I have attended several local and overseas management and leadership development programs at different institutions including Wharton Business School, Harvard Business School and Georgetown University. Some of these conferences and courses include:
2020: WAAS – West Africa Agribusiness Show 2020, Lagos
2019: International Conference: Agriculture Summit Africa 2019, Abuja
2014: International Security Conference & Exhibition, Tel Aviv, Israel
2014: Factory Acceptance Test of Security Equipment (Multi-Jammers for installation at
sensitive oil & gas locations), Israel
2013 International Security Conference & Exhibition, Las Vegas Nevada, USA
2012: Factory Acceptance Test of Security Equipment (Bollards), Israel
2012: Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Risk Management for Corporate Leaders
2011: Maritime Stakeholders Conference (Africa Partnership Station) Lagos
2010: Global Security Regional Managers Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2009: Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, USA
- Executive Development Program
2009: Wharton Business School/ASIS Program for Security Executives
2009: American Society for Industrial Security
- 55th Annual Seminar & Exhibits, Anaheim, California, USA
2009: International Security Management Assoc., Georgetown University, USA
Advanced Leadership Seminar
2009: 12th ISMA/OSAC Regional Security Conference, Cape Town, South Africa
2009: Chevron Global Workforce Development, London
Security Leadership Development Program
2009: 2nd Global Security Regional Conference for Africa, Europe, Middle East,
and Eurasia, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2008: American Society for Industrial Security International
- 54th Annual Seminar & Exhibits, Atlanta Georgia, USA
2008: International Workboat Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
2007: Global Security Leadership Consultations, London
2007: Control Risks, London - Seminar on Kidnap & Ransom
2006: International Conference on Disaster Management, Abuja
2006: American Society for Industrial Security International
- 52nd Annual Seminar & Exhibits, San Diego, USA
2006: Chevron Global Security Managers’ Conference, San Ramon, California, USA
2005: Africa Center for Strategic Studies - Energy & Security in Africa
2005: ChevronTexaco Leadership Forum (CLTF), San Francisco, USA
2005: American Society for Industrial Security International
- 51st Annual Seminar & Exhibits, Orlando, Florida, USA
2005: International Maritime Conference, Dubai
2004: American Petroleum Institute: Security Vulnerability Assessment &
United States Coast Guard Regulations for Facility Security Officers
2004: American Society for Industrial Security International
- 50th Annual Seminar & Exhibits, Dallas
2004: International Maritime Conference, Abuja
2004: Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference, Abuja
2000: 5th SPE International Conference on HS&E, Stavanger, Norway
2000: Functional Management: Assets Protection Course 111, USA
2000: Executive Protection Course, USA
2000: Facility Security Design, USA
2000: Fraud Examiners Course, USA
2000: International Workshop on Niger Delta (World Bank/Akwa Ibom State Govt.) Uyo
1999: Nigerian Oil & Gas Industry: Law and the Environment, Oil Producers Trade
Section of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce & Industry
1999: International Workshop on the Niger Delta (Ford Foundation/Committee for the
Defense of Human Rights), Ota- Ogun State. Nigeria.
1998: Workshop on Community Relations & Environmental Awareness in Nig. Petroleum
Industry, Benin City, Nigeria
1998: Workshop on Community Relations & Environmental Awareness in Nig. Petroleum
Industry, Yenagoa, Nigeria
1996: Executive Protection Course, West Virginia, USA
1996: Security Officers’ Training Program, Kentucky, USA
1992: Nigerian Bar Conference, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
1991: ICAO Workshop on Civil Aviation Security, Lagos
1990: Nigerian Bar Conference, Owerri, Nigeria
*MANIFESTO*
Realign INC with the ideals of its founding fathers, to effectively push the vision of A Greater, United Ijaw Nation
Engage with traditional institutions, leaders of thought and the youth to advance the cause of peace in Ijaw land as the bedrock for wholesome and sustainable development
Work with relevant stakeholders, professionals, and leaders of thought to institute an appropriate security and intelligence architecture indigenous to the Ijaw nation for the protection and policing of all Ijaw communities and her territories.
Work with relevant stakeholders to make INC self-sufficient, self-reliant and accountable
Work with Ijaw leaders of thought, critical institutions of government, academia, professionals and the organized private sector, to articulate, formulate and drive The Ijaw Development Agenda. Key planks of the development agenda will include but not limited to:
- full participation in the oil and gas sector by Ijaw sons and daughters
- full participation in the maritime sector by Ijaw sons and daughters
- fully developed and functional seaports in Ijaw land
- And a robust education policy for children of the Ijaw nation with strong
focus on Ijaw history, culture, arts, and science and technology
Work with Ijaw leaders of thought, professionals and development partners, to optimize the vast but largely untapped tourism potential of Ijaw land
Vigorously engage traditional institutions, leaders of thought, and relevant stakeholders to seek for the actualization of the remaining two (2) culturally homogeneous and geographically contiguous states namely Toru-Ebe, and Oil Rivers States which were part of the demands contained in the Ijaw National Memorandum that was submitted to the National Assembly in January 1996. Also, vigorously pursue the creation of more Local Govt Areas in Bayelsa State.
Partner with relevant stakeholders and governments at all levels, to address the issues of the marginalized, balkanized and deprived minorities of Ogbe-Ijoh/Isaba/Gbaramatu and Egbema Ijaws of Delta and Ondo States; the Arogbo/Apoi Ijaws of Ondo State; Eastern Obolo/Ibeno Ijaws of Akwa Ibom State; and wherever other place(s) in the Ijaw nation where such concerns may exist.
Continuously promote the primacy of Bayelsa as the spiritual, economic, cultural and political headquarters of the Ijaw nation globally
Engage with critical stakeholders of the Ijaw nation to articulate and push the Ijaw position on restructuring, resource control and resource management
Work with appropriate stakeholders to ensure the attainment of food security in Ijaw land
Ensure that the celebration of the Annual Ijaw National Day, The Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro Day, and the celebration of Ijaw icons past and present, become registered fixtures of our Ijaw national life
Promote the consciousness of Ijaw culture and heritage to Ijaw youths so as to engender deep pride in our youths of our Ijaw identity
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders and partners, to institute the teaching of Ijaw Language in our academic and leadership institutions from primary school up to tertiary level. This initiative will also see to the setting up and strengthening of Faculties of Ijaw Studies (Ijaw History, Culture, Language, Arts etc.) in our Universities and Leadership Academies
In conclusion, INC under my watch will continue to advocate the issues of Ijaw unity, equality, equity, justice and fairness that were propounded and propagated by our founding fathers so that the labours of our heroes’ past shall not be in vain.
Together, let us work towards A Greater, United Ijaw Nation Under God!!!
