2024 Maiden ljaw Media Conference: Bozimo, Asu Beks, Ankio Briggs, Alagoa, Others Bagged Ernest lkoli Personality Award

Maiden ljaw Media Conference: Bozimo, Asu Beks, Ankio Briggs, Alagoa, Others Bagged Ernest lkoli Personality Award

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa _____ The maiden edition of the ljaw Media Conference and annual dialogue was successfully held on Wednesday 11th December, 2024 at Banquet Hall, Government House Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital with many dignitaries in attendance from all walks of life across ljaw nation.

The event was organized by the professional body of ljaw Publishers Forum ( lPF) led by Comrade Austin Ozobo, with the theme"Advancing The Quest for Economic, Environmental and Political Justice".

The event was chaired by the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, High. Chief. (Dr.) Dennis Burutu Otuaro who was ably represented by the head of Bayelsa State Liaison Office, Madam Esther Boro.

The various keynote speakers at the event, Dr. Asu Beks, Mama Ankio Briggs, HRM. Godspower Oporomor, Chief. Collins Cocodia, Se-Alabo Nengi James OON and Esther Boro centered their discussion on unity of ljaw nation, economic advancement, foster networking opportunities for ljaw youths, support and empowerment of media professionals from ljaw nation among others.

Delivering his keynote address, Mr. Asu Beks highlighted the ineptitude attitude of some of our ljaw political appointees as well elected representatives at the center and state level, while charging them to have a change of attitude by attending politely to the demands of the people they represent.

In her remark, Mama Ankio Briggs lamented how our ljaw political leaders used our 13 % derivation funds, NDDC and other agencies meant for the development of our communities to sponsor political parties owned by Northeners to the detriment of our region.

She however, advocated for Niger Delta people to form a formidable political party in order to restle power at the center comes 2027 general elections, adding that the oil money used to sponsor their political parties as well as the Nigeria's annual budget is coming from ljaw land, hence it can be channel to sponsor our own political party so as to compete favourably with the North and South-West during elections.

In his speech, the Commissioner for ljaw National Affairs Bayelsa State, HRM. Godspower Oporomor appreciated IPF for organizing the first ever ljaw media conference in order to discuss our challenges and profer solutions to ljaw nation development.

He promised Bayelsa State government readiness to support subsequent edition of the program, adding that ljaw nation is very proud of lPF humble begining in telling the ljaw story in the right perspective.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Bayelsa State on Political Affairs, Hon. Chief. Collins Cocodia identified political party affiliation and disunity among ljaws as impediment to the rapid growth and development of ljaw nation. 

He called for love and unity amongst ljaw sons and daughters despite political party differences so as to fastrack socio-economic and infrastructural development to our communities.

While the representative of the amnesty administrator, Esther Boro thanked IPF for organizing this laudable event. 

She further highlighted the successes recorded so far in the amnesty office under Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro administration barely one year, while charging on the people of Niger Delta region, especially the ljaws to support the current federal government, adding that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu meant well for ljaw nation.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Vice President ll of ljaw National Congress (INC), Se-Alabo Nengi James (OON) expressed joy over the uniqueness of 11th December, 2024, saying that was the day ljaw youths held the first conference of Kaiama declaration in 1999.

He noted the first ljaw youth conference held in Kaiama in 1999 led to the formation of ljaw Youth Council, lYC and they sacrificed their time and resources for the interest of ljaw nation development.

He admonished the present ljaw youths to be selfless in serving ljaw nation, noting that those who had done well for ljaw nation would be encouraged by conferring award on them in recognition of their selfless services to ljaw nation such as what lPF has done.

However, the event also featured comedy session with Mr. Right Eyerin, MC. Akpolokpolo among others that add colour to the program.

Highlights of the event was the presention of Award of Excellence to some deserving illustrious ljaw sons and daughters who had meritoriously served ljaw nation in their field of specialization over the years.

Among them are, William Zideke Bozimo popularly known as Willy-Bee, Asu Beks, Mama Ankio Briggs, Comrade Morris Alagoa, Owei Lakemefa, Ernest lkoli of blessed memory, Comrade Joseph Evah and many others.