IPF Backs Committee of Friends to Mark late Ebi Tebela Remembrance After 13 Years in Warri

IPF Backs Committee of Friends to Mark late Ebi Tebela Remembrance After 13 Years in Warri 

....... Calls on ljaw leaders to always celebrate good people death or alive

Francis Tayor

Warri _____ The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) on Wednesday officially endorsed the upcoming Chief Ebi Tebela Remembrance celebration, honoring the late celebrity and Olotu 1 of Egbema Kingdom on September 23, 2024.

This endorsement follows a visit from the planning committee, led by the Chairman, Mr. Gideon Ebipade (aka Darling Gid), Secretary Comrade Gandi Wisdom, PRO Mr. Atigbi Lugard, Treasurer Mr. Abioka Karina (aka Mc Abioka), and member Mr. Luis Ebi Tebela, Miss Sarah Shell, and Mr. Meshach Ojijoh, as well as Tebela's children.

Recall that, late Chief Ebi Tebela, fondly called the Money Making Machine (MMM) who was the most famous Olotu 1 of Egbema kingdom came to limelight in the early 2000 with his philanthropic life style across ljaw nation in particular, and Niger Delta at large.

He was a prominent marine business magnet who invested heavily in the oil and gas sector. He was the anchor man at the popular Lagos camp whose influence cuts across the country.

His philanthropic kind gesture was greatly felt in the ljaw owigiri high life music industry, maritime sector, ljaw student union, less privileged ones in the society, single mothers, intending couples, widows/widowers, the aged ones, women groups, upcoming career politicians amongst others.

He was also instrumental in the dropping of arms by the ex- agitators of the Niger Delta during the 2009 Nigerian Federal Government Presidential Amnesty Declaration to restore peace and stability in the once volatile oil rich region.

Before his sudden death on the 23rd September, 2011, Ebi Tebela was warming up to contest for the position of executive chairman of Warri North Local Government Council. He hailed paternally from Ogbinbiri Community in Egbema kingdom, Warri North LGA, and maternally Oporoza Community in Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South -West LGA, Delta State.

Meanwhile, speaking to newsmen after a closed-door meeting at TM hotel Warri, Delta State, IPF President Comrade Ozobo Austin emphasised the importance of supporting the remembrance celebration. He highlighted Tebela's philanthropic efforts, which touched thousands of lives, including those in the media industry.

"Ebi Tebela was a selfless individual who made significant contributions to our community and beyond. His legacy deserves to be celebrated, and we urge all Ijaw leaders and stakeholders to join us in honoring his memory."

"It is imperative to reward and recognise good people, because when you do that you indirectly or directly encourage the person to do more. Equally, you are encouraging people around to do good, knowing that it has reward", he added.

The Ebi Tebela Remembrance celebration promised to be a poignant tribute to a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the lives of many. With the IPF's endorsement, the event is expected to draw widespread support and participation from across the Ijaw community and beyond.

The IPF president, Comrade Ozobo Austin was flanked by his vice Mr Onduku Oyinbi, PRO Mr Ezekiel Kagbala, Mr Tams Okunbiri MMD, member and Stephen Asaba-ase reporter.