IPF Hosts 2nd Annual Media Conference in Delta, as Ozobo Advocates for Safeguarding N'Delta Resources

The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has held its 2nd annual media conference in Warri, Delta State, with the theme "Safeguarding the Niger Delta Natural Resources for Future Generations".

In his welcome address, Comrade Ozobo Austin, National President of IPF, emphasised the importance of protecting the Niger Delta's natural resources and environment for future generations.

He highlighted the devastating impact of oil theft, environmental pollution, exploitation by oil companies, federal government and deforestation on the region, and called on oil exploration companies to prioritize the well-being of the people and the environment.

Comrade Austin also provided a brief history of the IPF, which was formed in October 2023 to promote the Ijaw struggle and its identity.

He noted that the IPF has made significant strides in telling the Ijaw story and advocating for the rights of the Ijaw nation.

The conference was attended by prominent guests, including High Chief Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and RT. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Lawuru Promise, Amb. Godknows Igali, Pandef National leader, Chief Oyakemeagbegha Izinebi, INC publicity Secretary, Chief Wellington Bobo, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba former commissioner of oil and gas, Delta State, Chief Udens Eradiri, IYC spokesman Princewill Binebai, Ijaw women Rights' Protection Forum IWRPF, Ijaw women in politics, for peace and Culture, Ayakoromo ladies, President Amnesty students leadership and others.

Comrade Austin expressed gratitude to the donors and sponsors of the event and welcomed all participants to the conference.

The IPF plans to continue advocating for the rights of the Ijaw nation and promoting media excellence in the Niger Delta region.

The conference aimed to address the challenges facing the Niger Delta region and find solutions to safeguard its natural resources for future generations.

The statement read, "I am not here to bore you with a long speech. Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to discuss a theme, titled: Safeguarding the Niger Delta Natural Resources for the future generations. Though, we have resource persons that will do justice to it but the emphasis here is that we must protect our natural resources and our environment for future generations. 

"We must stop oil theft, environmental pollution which has destroyed fishing and farming activities or occupation in our region. We must equally stop deforestation and waste of other forest and aquatic resources. Our resources are our future. Our environment is our wealth. Pollution does not just affect our environment but it shortens our life span. Stealing our crude or sabotaging it, is as well as stealing our common wealth, invariably creating poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities in our region. This message largely affects our oil exploration companies. The IOC and indigenous oil companies management should stop exploitation and deliberate environmental pollution if our well-being should be prioritized".

"We have proactively told the Ijaw story in all dimensions, we have propagated and seamlessly advocated for the struggle of the Ijaw nation. We have actively defended the Ijaw nation from willful blackmails, people who are hellbent to hand twist, incite government, its military against Ijaw nation to jeopardise Ijaw identity. This is not to entertain you but well-meaning leaders, stakeholders and youths could attest to it".

"There is no gainsaying that IPF has balanced the equilibrium, the Ijaw nation is now more significant in the media industry than ever, there is now a checks and balances between those who bastardise our collective image or identity in the name of telling our story. We have corrected many such narratives and we will continue to put a stop to it. I can assure you that the rate at which the foreign papers battered our identity have reduced to the barest minimum since we took charge and made Ijaw significant in the media industry"

"The Yorubas has its media houses, Hausa has its own, Ibo has, Itsekiri has, Urhobo has, so the commitments and efforts made by brilliant Ijaw sons and daughters to strengthen Ijaw presence in the media industry should be encouraged by all well-meaning Ijaw leaders and critical stakeholders. Our mission and visions are to defend, advocate, propagate Ijaw/Niger Delta self-determination struggle and build dependable media houses for the Ijaw nation in no distance time. So that when all papers and broadcasting stations will show patriotism to their origins, political Godfathers and hand twisted governments in the unforeseen dark days, Ijaw nation will not be left in the rain and sun to be battered".

Ijaw Media Conference: Otuaro Urges IPF to Uphold Ethics of Journalism-Objectivity, Balance and Accurate Reportage

The coordinator federal amnesty programme High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro has charged members of the Ijaw Publishers Forum to report facts to promote ethical journalism while telling the Ijaw and Niger Delta story.

Otuaro was represented by the national spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) made this disclosure at the 2nd Ijaw media conference held in Warri, Delta State.

The administrator added'' I am happy that Ijaw journalists have boldly come out together to champion the Ijaw struggle in a very dynamic perspective".

Otuaro, quoting the words of former President of America Thomas Jefferson who said, '' if I am asked to choose between the people of America and the media, I will choose the media, and that the media can make and mar any government if they choose to do so.'' he said.

According to him, IPF has come to correct wrong reportage of Ijaw history and struggle by foreign media. The Ijaw story was misrepresented over the years, but IPF's emergence had corrected this error and the story is gradually changing for better.

Otuaro, however, challenged Ijaw media practitioners to be objective, truthful, accurate and fearless in their reportage to correct many years anomalies of the Ijaw struggle. He admonished members of IPF to see themselves as brothers and love one another in the  discharge of their activities to achieve a common goal.

King Bubaraye Dakolo Mourns Sudden Death of Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Erhudjakpr

According to the Chairman Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM. King Bubaraye Dakolo, said:

" Do you know what happens when you are struck hard by the sad news of the sudden death of someone full of life? Someone you know as being really full of life? Perhaps a glimpse into my still unfolding experience would provide you with some insight.

" The news of the sudden demise of His Excellency Senator Lawrence Ewhrujakpor, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, has already spread far and wide. However, it was first broken to me around 3 pm on Thursday, December 11, 2025. I couldn’t believe it. I denied it. I said it couldn’t be. It was unbelievable. Impossible! In fact, you could even say it was “impossibleant.” How could it have been?

" About 30 minutes later, in a tearfully emotional voice, my wife called me on the phone to inquire if I had heard anything about the workaholic Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. Without any hesitation, I said: “Yes, but not true.” She tearfully added that the news was spreading rapidly on Facebook and other social media platforms. Despite the overwhelming evidence, I remained steadfast in my denial. How could the Deputy Governor have just died as claimed? I firmly refused to believe it, even though I received numerous pieces of information to the contrary.

" I had hoped for better news, but I resolved in my confident denial that if the rumor were to turn out to be true, it would be the worst disaster in the history of Bayelsa State in recent times. I thought of his wife and children, my wife whose eyes were now filled with tears, and his immediate staff, his students. The void that would be created in the state was unimaginable. I also considered the burden it would place on our governor, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri. 

" Even far into the night of the tragedy, I remained in my chosen state of denial. I anticipated an official confirmation release if it were true. I expected the governor to return from wherever he might be the following day if it were true. Then, on December 12th, I witnessed a plane fly in early, followed by sirens blaring past my area. I thought, “That must be the governor.” So, if it were true, then it was indeed true. Hmm! I still felt the Deputy Governor who was rumoured dead was responding to treatment somewhere. Despite all the fake news circulating on Facebook in my view, the countless telephone calls referring even to mainstream TV news channels, and the overwhelming evidence, I remained in this state of denial. However, when I finally read the Bayelsa State official release confirming my fears, I briefly entered a state of suspended animation. “What is this? What could this be,” I asked myself. Is it believable that I am still processing the far-reaching consequences of the untold calamity that has befallen us in Bayelsa State and the entire Ijaw Nation? The possibilities are simply overwhelming. I can imagine.

" Although I am still in a state of shock and at a level of disbelief, I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of His Excellency Senator Lawrence Ewhrujakpor, a vibrant and lively individual. 

" I humbly pray that God grants His Excellency, the Governor of Bayelsa State, the people of the state, and his numerous friends and admirers the strength to endure this loss. 

" May God also provide the needed strength to his wife, children, and family to endure this difficult time. 

" May God accept the soul of our departed Deputy Governor in heaven for eternal peace. Amen", the statement added.

2025 ljaw Media Conference: Amb. Igali Calls on FG to Approve Operation of Modular Refinery for Niger Deltans

..... Sues for unity among diverse ethnic groups in the region 

Francis Tayor 

Warri _____ The National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, otherwise Known as PANDEF, Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei lgali, has appealed to the President Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue license for Niger Delta sons and daughters who has the requirements to operate modular refineries and pay tax to the federal government as it is done in the US and the Western world.

Dr. Igali who was the keynote speaker made the call on Wednesday December 17, in Warri during the second edition of the ljaw Publishers Forum (IPF) Media Conference held at the KFT Event Centre, Effurun, stated that the operation of modular refineries is for the best interest of increasing the growth of the nation's economy as well as to create a sense of belonging to the people that own the crude oil and gas.

He emphasized that it is important for the people to properly manage their God given resources towards the welfare of humanity rather than being destroyed in the name of illegal oil bunkering by government security agencies thereby resulting to pollution and degradation of the environment they lived in.

He said most of the raw materials used by industries are deposited in the Niger Delta region, especially crude oil, Gas, palm oil, rubber, cotton etc, stressing that the region will continue to be relevant in Nigeria because of her natural wealths.

He reemphasized that Niger Deltans should think of sustaining her natural resources as well as safeguarding her environment for today and the future generations.

He urged the people to be more focused on education and professional skill acquisition, stressing that with the right education and skills, the scholars can invent new things that will better the society.

Igali also commended the  Presidential Amnesty Programme Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro for his good works, while urging him not to be distracted by critics rather to continue send our sons and daughters abroad to acquire more skills and come back home to develop the Niger Delta region.

He also urged Niger Deltans to sustain the existing peace, stressing that without peace development cannot strive in the communities.

Finally, he called on federal government to build more ports as well as develop the agricultural sector by providing free fertilizers to farmers, adding that more seaports will help to develop the nation, he stated.

However, the event was heavily graced by intellectuals, political class, business men, women groups, youth bodies, the clergy among others.

Kestin Pondi and the Carnival of Culture without Cloud and Clash

By: Enewaridideke Ekanpou

 Varied perceptions journey around High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi whose roots spread to Gbaramatu and Ogulagha Kingdoms in Warri South-West and Burutu Local Government Areas of Delta State. However the varied perceptions held on him, which are shaped by his daily engagements, he is  clearly situated as a philanthropist with generous tentacles that perform miracles of empowerment in every space.

 Philanthropy is the distinguishing dominant identity badge of Pondi in every space he finds himself.His distinguishing philanthropy as a radiating  identity marker in every space  -  traditional, religious or secular  -  is what   everybody  connects to comfortably however the status in the society. For   the poor and the rich, for the christians, muslims, African traditional religionists and mystics of every persuasion,  for politicians, industrialists, comedians, wrestlers, actors, actresses, dancers, musicians and sportsmen, Pondi is the philanthropic edifice that shelters people without discrimination. 

 Centred on Pondi''s dominant image as a non-discriminatory philanthropist, it would be a 'dialectical  mathematics' of resistance  if anyone saw Pondi as a curator,  dramatist and director of plays and movies with a passion for culture in any formation because these characterisations do not fall into his universally acknowledged image as a borderless philanthropist metaphorically likened to Bill Gates of America. To the surprise of those who know him, Pondi suddenly cut the image of a passionate  lover of culture, dramatist and director of plays prodigiously gifted with the capacity to direct  plays and movies to hold a motley crowd spellbound. I wish I had solicited the amazing directorial dexterity of  Pondi when my plays THE PLOT AGAINST PEOPLE and THE WANTED MAN IN CAMP FOUR were recently staged at Gogigbene! This hidden talent of Pondi was brought to the fore when  his father-in-law, Captain William  Ayagbene Elaweremi, was buried in Ayakoromo on 6 December 2025 in a carnival of culture without cloud and clash.

Elaweremi died on 1 May 2025 in Warri at the age of 87 after a glorious life as a captain in the maritime business  of sailing to different countries as an employee in different maritime companies. Born on 15 March 1938, he had aboriginal roots buried in Ayakoromo and Isaba in Burutu and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta State, and Peretoru in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

 Precisely, Elaweremi was an employee of NBTC who progressed through the ranks from a deckhand and River Master to a Captain and retired in 2005 after thirty-five years of blemish-free service. Married to Beauty Idowu and Evelyn Ebikaboere of Ayakoromo with fifteen children, forty-one grandchildren and one grandchild, he was the centre of Ayakoromo urban community in Warri as all important meetings on communal unity and welfare were held in his house. He was never associated with grimaces while endless meetings were always held in his place; he did not feel disturbed one day however the obvious encroachments on his private life because he philosophically saw himself as the home of accommodation and communal spirit.  

Life is a very precious asset over which no one prays for early wear and tear. This precious asset has left Elaweremi after 87 years of fruitful uninterrupted  use. Life snuffed out of Elaweremi after 87 years,  his beloved daughter, Chief Blessing Kestin Pondi, wept inconsolably. In the love-provoked perception of Blessing, 87 years was one week to her. Her husband, Kestin Pondi, was deeply touched by these flowing tears that streaked Blessing's face.

 Emotionally staggered and deeply touched by Blessing's inconsolable weeping, Pondi devised a two-pronged strategy to celebrate the deceased and psychologically retrieve his wife from the emotional quicksand she had  sunk into. In the caged thoughts of Pondi, when a deceased person whose achievements and age demanded celebration was memorably celebrated in a cavalcade of cultures, even the emotionally stung and devastated mourners would experience a surge of energy to dance and unconsciously forget the pangs of death.

 

5 December 2025 was the day chosen for the social wake of late Elaweremi . Towards a befitting  social wake, the corpse of Elaweremi had to be conveyed from Warri to Ayakoromo. Elaweremi, as a captain, lived the cream of his life on ships and tugboats at sea navigating safe paths for NBTC. For Pondi this sailor must be culturally celebrated on the surface of waters for   reasonably long  hours that approximated his voyages on earth. Ordinarily, the journey from Warri to Ayakoromo would take 45 minutes on a speedboat powered by 75-Yamaha engine, but to approximate the life-voyages of late Elaweremi, Pondi was creatively full of plans to prolong the journey from Warri to Ayakoromo beyond the known 45 minutes.

To celebrate Elaweremi remarkably was Pondi''s brainwave. Geared toward a remarkable celebration of Elaweremi, the services of  two giant virgin barges were employed. Aesthetically, the barges were   rigged with white canopies and decorated chairs. Atop the barges were richly attired men and women, followed by the great musician, King Prince.Y. P. Dono Abraham,  and exceptionally talented dancers. With a moving repertoire of songs from King Abraham with a designated stage on the barge, graceful dancers creatively  grooved to an assortment of lyrically and instrumentally communicative Ijaw songs. 

From  the booming instrumental dexterity emanating from King Abraham's stage,  the barges came alive with  captivating legend songs and swiftly-changing dance steps. While the booming songs and graceful dance steps told a great cultural story of celebration, aesthetically built 200-horse-powered speedboats and wooden outboard engine  boats from Ogulagha, Kurutie and many others from Gbaramatu Kingdom filled to the brim with gorgeously dressed skillful entertainers routinely moved around the barge in a manner grandly dignified and slow enough for spectators to catch the culturally packaged entertainers on board. Riparian communities like Gborutubo, Asiyaigbene, Ophorugbala, Gbekebor, Oguforu, Okegbene and  Bobogbene on the way to Ayakoromo were memorably treated to   this intentional cultural celebration, as the barges slowly sailed towards Ayakoromo with a solemn dignity.

After a dignified sail  of over four hours through various communities, the barges  eventually saw Ayakoromo. Right in the middle of the Ayakoromo River, the barges strategically stopped to sail as a systematic cultural entertainment. From different parts of the Ayakoromo River came different boats. These wooden outboard engine boats carrying cultural troupes emerged and broke into celebratory dance on their boats. Before these cultural troupes on boats came, a traditional war boat of Ayakoromo people carrying black-powdered faces attired in black clothes, boat decorated with horizontally arranged fresh palm fronds on both the right and left teeth of the boat  captivated spectators with their synchronised dance steps and traditional war songs. Young boys dancing energetically on the wooden engine-powered boat was amazing. The traditional gun boat and the other wooden engine boats carrying cultural troupes beautifully circuited the barges in dignified processions and gave the Ayakoromites a maritime entertainment they were historically treated to for the first time. The aesthetically decorated wooden outboard engine boats from Gbaramatu and Ogulagha Kingdoms with talented dancers moving around the barges in  solemnly dignified formations was a compelling spectacle of indescribable cultural beauty.   

For over thirty minutes Ayakoromo was intriguingly imprisoned by a well-packaged maritime entertainment memorably directed by Pondi. After the theatrically calculated period of memorable maritime entertainment, as dexterously directed by Pondi from his invisible enclosure, though visibly present without being anatomically part of the celebratory drama, only tracing the celebratory contours on his mind without words, the barges eventually sailed to the waterfront of Elaweremi for everybody to disembark. The disembarkation of the over  two million people swallowed by the barges began immediately after the dignified  evacuation of the golden coffin to the home of the  deceased, accompanied by the vivacious dance of the casket troupe and  pall-bearers.

The coffin of Elaweremi eventually home in Ayakoromo, everybody agreed Pondi had given his father-in-law a historically referential ennoblement unprecedented in the history of burial of father-in-laws. For all it was over after the maritime ennoblement. Nobody anticipated another notable culturally packaged celebration during the social wake in the night. 

The phenomenal philanthropist called Pondi, proved everybody wrong . At night another drama of celebratory ennoblement  for Elaweremi was witnessed. Beyond a cavalcade of dignitaries from all walks of life brought together  from politics, the entertainment world of actors, actresses and comedians to business, Urhobo, Igbo and many other cultural entertainers were on ground with amazing dance steps. As if these varied  cultural entertainers were not enough, Dr. Izonebi Alfred and Chief Kingsley Takemebo were brought to give the crowd a live musical entertainment. Takemebo entertained the crowd in the day and left while Alfred did his live entertainment in the night till dawn. For these two Ijaw musicians, superb was the matching word for their electrifying performances.

In the midst of all these cultural entertainments, food and drinks patrolled the aesthetically striking arena of over two million people like the stars of the sky.Thirty live cows were available for the entertainment of the crowd. Out of the thirty cows for the party, the Ayakoromo community had many cows generously given to them to slaughter and share among themselves. The remaining cows were slaughtered one by one and prepared for the crowd to eat in varied African and continental dishes dictated by the choice of the prospective eater. The cows slaughtered and consumed were like the famous PEPENIGE meat; however they were slaughtered and consumed, they were always available for the people to devour.

Many confessed the cows outnumbered the people when turned into food prepared in varied dishes for the people to choose and eat. All the guests felt 'saturated' but this was not  even enough for Pondi. At dawn he shocked people with the sharing of  rice bags and groundnut oil for people who graced the party. They were his souvenirs for the people who graciously put up appearance in the funeral ceremony. Nobody had done this in Ayakoromo before now..All these were painstakingly done to wipe the tears of Blessing.

Predictably, everybody thought Pondi  had done enough to stop the flow of tears on Blessing's face. Tears still streaked  and wrinkled the face of Chief Mrs Blessing when her own father was being lowered into the grave. Deeply touched by the tears that streaked her face, he dramatically told her with love to empty her tear duct at the graveyard so that at home she would no longer shed tears of despair and become emotionally inconsolable. For Pondi uninhibited tears shed profusely at the graveyard would be a magical emotional catharsis relevant to full recovery from pains produced by the death of one's beloved father. Blessing cried her last cry at the graveyard in  preparation for full recovery from the pangs of her father's death, as it was philosophically anchored on by Pondi at the graveyard.Cry  now and cry no more at home after the interment was Pondi''s  cautionary philosophical message for his beloved wife, Blessing.

 

Elaweremi had been solemnly and nobly buried in Ayakoromo in a manner that signalled approval from God and the gods because the day  came to pass without anger from the sky. The sky sent no tears upon the earth, except the brief drizzling  that greeted the barges on arrival in Ayakoromo. This brief drizzling was a  symbolism of sympathy, recognition and support from God and the  gods whose supportive benevolence was communicated and marked  by the friendly weather. 

Again and again it must be repeated that 5 December 2025   was a carnival of culture without cloud and clash in Ayakoromo because there was no rain on that  day after the very brief drizzling symbolically seen as a welcome when the barges arrived; neither was there a  fight where soldiers and civilians clashed over minutiae. The presence of soldiers and police in their large numbers was enough to smother any thought of clash. Even God and the gods  were spectacularly benevolent and supportive from their world because the day ended joyously without the disruptions of thoughtless rain-invasion heralded by angry dark clouds overlooking the crowd. It was a remarkable day for Pondi''s carnival of culture without cloud and clash. High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi''s name shall live forever on the lips of Ayakoromo people as the  story of his storied celebration of late Captain William Ayagbene Elaweremi shall be preserved in  folktales and ballads for every succeeding generation to applaud and appreciate.

Dr. Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

Proposed Toru-Ebe State: IYC clarifies position on Ijaw land ownership in Edo

…Says Toru-Ebe State is a long-standing Ijaw aspiration

…Calls for responsible public discourse on sensitive historical issues

By Chancel Sunday

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide, has called for clarification and restraint following comments attributed to the member representing Ovia North-East and South-West Federal Constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion, regarding land ownership in parts of Edo State inhabited by Ijaw communities.

The IYC made its position known during a press briefing in Warri, where its spokesperson, Comrade (Amb.) Binebai Yerin Princewill, said the council considered it necessary to clarify historical and cultural perspectives concerning Ijaw communities in Edo State.

Princewill said the council’s intervention was aimed at promoting understanding and preventing misinterpretation of historical narratives, especially on issues related to land, identity and state creation.

According to him, the Ijaw people have historically occupied areas within present-day Edo State and have maintained distinct communities with recognized traditional institutions over time.

He explained that the agitation for the creation of Toru-Ebe State is a long-standing aspiration of the Ijaw people, rooted in their desire for administrative convenience and effective representation, rather than any intention to challenge existing traditional institutions.

Princewill stated that Ijaw communities in Edo State have established kingdoms, including Furupa, Olodiama, Egbema and Okomu, each with its own traditional leadership structure.

The IYC spokesperson emphasized that the council respects all traditional institutions and cultural heritage in the region, while urging public officials to exercise care and responsibility when making statements on sensitive historical and cultural matters.

He added that constructive dialogue and mutual respect remain essential to peaceful coexistence and national unity.

The council appealed to relevant authorities and stakeholders to encourage calm, accurate and respectful engagement on the proposed Toru-Ebe State and related issues, noting that such matters should be addressed through lawful and constitutional processes.

Mulade Charges Deltans to Embrace Peace, Leads ljaw, ltsekiri and Urhobo Peace Walk in Warri Metropolis

Francis Tayor

A renowned Niger Delta born human and environmental rights advocate, High Chief Comrade. Sheriff Mulade (Ph.D), has called on Deltans, especially the ljaw, tsekiri and Urhobo in Warri Federal Constituency to always embrace peace, love one another and imbibed in the spirit of ethnic tolerance towards sustaining the existing peace in the oil rich state, stressing that is the only way both local and foreign investors as well as accelerated development can be achieved.

Comrade Mulade gave the charge on Tuesday December 16, in Warri, during ljaw, ltsekiri and Urhobo Walk for peace facilitated by the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) in collaboration with Warri Peace Community Support lnitiative joint implementation committees and Delta State Civil Society Forum.

The peace walk which took off at Estate roundabout to Okere road down to Agbara, garage, ogbe-ljoh market, Ajamimoghan through NPA down to Warri Area Command was massively participated by youths, men and women from the three major ethnic groups as well as non-indigenes residents in Warri and its environs.

Address the press at the Warri Area Command office, Mulade emphasized the need for  peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in the state, especially the ljaws, itsekiri and Urhobos in warri Federal Constituency.

He said with the massive turn out for the successful peace walk shows that there is peace already in warri, while calling on the government and multinational oil company's to fastrack development to the region.

Mulade further call for the revival of Burutu, Warri, Koko and Sapele seaports as well as Forcados and Excravos Terminals in the state, so as to create employment opportunity for the unemployed youths.

On their part, Comrade Victor Akemotubo of Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom, Kenneth Igarega of Urhobo, Mustafa Suleman of Hausa-Fulani, Abimbola of the Yoruba and Nje Emmanuel of the lgbos  advocated for peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in Warri Federal Constituency. 

They lamented the high rate of unemployment in the state, stressing that without peace, no oil company or investors would be interested to come, hence they urged the youths to tow the part of peace so that development can come to warri.

Sen. Dickson Mourns late Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ehrudjakpor, Says a Death Too Painful

According to senator Seriake Henry Dickerson, said:

" Yesterday, December 11, will remain one of my saddest days. I was already gearing up to be part of the screening of the ambassadorial nominees as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs when I received a call about the medical emergency involving His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. I spoke with his aides and the doctors, then left abruptly and came home to monitor the situation until my worst fears were confirmed. 

" I have been saddened and heartbroken since his death was confirmed. We have lost a most selfless, dedicated, honest and loyal public servant and politician. I have personally lost a dependable, loyal and principled mentee who was committed to the causes we pursue in public service — service to God and humanity, and to ourselves the least.

" Dr. Ewhrudjakpor was clearly the best among my political mentees. A rare combination of competence,  intellect, loyalty and selflessness.

" He proved himself, especially at difficult times, as a politician of principle and conviction I had mentored him to be over the years. He exemplified the act of living a simple life  with profound impact. Ewhrudjakpor was irreplaceable — formidable in intellect and learned, emotionally stable, mature and principled.

" Since our paths crossed in the ’90s, I took him under my wings when he was a union activist and I, a legal practitioner. He drew inspiration from our interactions to pursue further education and was inspired to study Law after his first degree — which he took all the way to a Doctorate, even as a very busy man. When I became Attorney General, he was my P.A. When I was elected to the House of Representatives, he was my Senior Legislative Aide. When I became Governor, he served as Commissioner for Works for almost 8years, dedicating all his time and energy to executing landmark infrastructural achievements across the state, even during the crippling recession.

"Then I nominated him to run for the Senate representing our Senatorial District, Bayelsa West, which he won. Later, I nominated him and the current Governor, who were then Senators. I pulled them out as Governor and Deputy Governorship candidates respectively. As Deputy Governor, Dr.Ewhrudjakpor remained dutiful and loyal. 

" He was steadfast, even to the point of almost losing his office. When he was made, unfortunately, to choose between his office and his loyalty, respect and gratitude to me, he chose the latter, and went through a lot for the principled choices he made during the almost six years he served dutifully without complaining. There is no one who did not feel the impact of his service—the open-door policy and life of service, exactly as I taught them, and without betrayal to me or anyone. He listened to wise counsel and advice, which I was always available to give.

" No one is more affected by this sudden loss than I am, apart from his immediate family. It will be difficult to fill the void he has left in my heart, in the hearts of Bayelsans, of Nigerians, and of all humanity that encountered him. He followed strictly the creed I teach all my mentees: service to man is service to God, with to ourselves the least. 

" While we are devastated by this sudden and untimely loss, we must remain proud of his record of honest, dedicated, selfless, loyal and principled service to God and humanity to the very end. He will be sorely missed. In fact, I do not believe I can find any replacement for Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor.

" I extend my condolences to his wife, with whom I have spoken, and to his children, whom I regard as mine — his son is even named after me. My condolences also go to his family with whom I am in constant touch,  the Ofoni community and the Bayelsa West Senatorial District which he represented and served; to the Catholic Church to which he was a devout Catholic and a Knight, and to his numerous friends, associates and supporters;  to the government and good people of Bayelsa state.

" Since the sad event I have received a deluge of calls and visits indicative of the impact his life of service made.

" The family will announce, in consultation with the government, the funeral arrangements. I implore all to find time to join the family in praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of this good man, and for the family and all of us to have the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss."

HSD.

Ayakoromo Lauds Chief Kestin Pondi for organizing uncommon grand funeral rites for father in-law, Elaweremi

By Monday Peter

The ancient Ayakoromo community in Ngbilebiri mein Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has expressed profound gratitude to High Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services for lighting up the community during the burial rites of his late father-in-law, Late Captain Williams Elaweremi.

The community while thanking other dignitaries and invited guests who came from far and wide to grace the event, described the funeral rites as first of its kind in the history of the community.

In a statement signed on behalf of the community by Snr Comrade Ozobo Austin said, the community commended Chief Pondi for his exceptional kindness, generosity, passionate love and commitment towards the community. They described him as a true son of the soil and not in-law alone, adding that his transformative projects in the community are highly commendable.

According to the community, Pondi has consistently demonstrated his love and care for the community, apart from gathering the country in the community for his father in-law 's funeral.

"We are grateful for your thoughtfulness and support, not only to our community but also to individuals in need," the statement read. "Your efforts in organizing a fitting and carnival-like burial rites first of its kind in Ayakoromo for your late father-in-law are a demonstration to your character, generosity and values you placed on your wife (our daughter) and Ayakoromo community"

The community praised Chief Pondi's contributions to the development of Ayakoromo and its environs, noting that his efforts have created positive impacts on the lives of the people. They cited his support for various community projects, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

The statement further highlighted Chief Pondi's commitment to empowering youths and promoting community engagement. It asserted "Your dedication to the welfare of our youths and your efforts in promoting peace and unity in our community are truly commendable."

The Ayakoromo community prayed for Chief Pondi's continued success, good health, and long life, saying, "We wish you God's blessings and favour in all your endeavors. May your exemplary leadership inspire others to emulate your kindness and generosity."

The burial rite, which was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria, was a grand affair that reflected the high esteem in which Chief Pondi is held by the community.

Tompolo condoles with Bayelsa state Government, says death of deputy gov is a huge loss to Ijaw Nation.

 Bodmas Prince Kemepadei

In a condolence visit to the Bayelsa State Government, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo in company of other notable leaders, Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro the PAP administrator, Chief Mathew Tonlagha, Barr. MacDonald Igbadiwei, Chief Paul Bebenibo, Chief Godfrey Pondi, amongst others, expressed his heartfelt condolences over the recent passing of the late deputy governor of the state, acknowledging the profound loss felt by the entire Ijaw community.

Speaking on his behalf, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi elaborated on the deep bond that existed between the late deputy and the Governor, emphasizing that the deputy was not only a steadfast supporter but also a reliable and unwavering ally in the governance and development of the state. 

Tompolo's visit underscored the significance of their collaborative efforts, as he recounted stories of their shared commitment to working towards the betterment of Bayelsa, highlighting the deputy's invaluable contributions that will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Tompolo further pledged to consistently make himself available to ensure that a suitable burial is provided.

Tinubu Lauds PAP’s Scholarship Scheme, Stakeholders’ Engagement, Peacebuilding Process - Otuaro

•••Says 4500 Students Deployed In Varsities In Nigeria In 2025

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has said that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the significant achievements recorded by the agency in the Niger Delta in about two years.

He spoke at the flag-off of the fourth batch of the two-day "Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders" organised by the agency in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, on Monday.

The PAP had in July and August 2025 successfully conducted a similar capacity-building workshop for three batches of its stakeholders at the same military facility.

Otuaro, who said the President is delighted with the agency's expanded scholarship scheme, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and peacebuilding process in the Niger Delta, urged stakeholders to maintain their position as key players in the region's peace and development.

According to him, His Excellency, President Tinubu is very supportive of the programme because of his strong desire for the region to enjoy sustainable peace, stability and development.

He reiterated that the workshop is a vital component of the PAP's peace process with all stakeholders as important partners in the peace initiative.

He stressed that the participants are not only partners for peace, but also the President's peace ambassadors.

The PAP boss also applauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic support to strengthen the programme's initiatives and enable it to achieve the intended objectives for the people of the region.

While declaring the workshop open, Otuaro said, "His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is very happy with what we have achieved so far in one year and nine months. As stakeholders, you should continue to be key players in the peace and development of the Niger Delta, which His Excellency has been very supportive of and desirous of.

"The objective behind this training is to ensure that all of us are partners in every peace effort in the Niger Delta. This initiative is also to give you a sense of belonging.

"When we organised this workshop in July and August this year, we assured stakeholders that more people would also participate in the training. We don't want to do the PAP’s  work alone. It is a process of putting our heads together to ensure that the region is peaceful and united. When we are united, Mr President will do more for the region.

"We must also realise that peace starts from our communities; you all are leaders in your own rights. I know and acknowledge the support that the Office has received since we came on board. This leadership workshop is part of our peacebuilding process and is designed to ensure that peace is sustained in our region.

"Since we came on board, we have redirected the Programme towards our people and for the next generation. We have achieved a lot. This 2025-2026 academic session, we have sent 4,500 students, our future leaders, on scholarships to universities within Nigeria. We are doing this to invest in the future of our region."

Otuaro said that his leadership would not be distracted by the smear campaign of some anti-Niger Delta elements who were angry that the programme had been taken to the people of the region, saying "nobody will hold the region to ransom."

He further urged stakeholders not to be manipulated by political merchants, but to massively support President Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid because of his clear agenda for the region.

Otuaro enjoined the stakeholders to participate actively in the workshop and utilise the lessons they would gain to strengthen peace and development in their communities and the Niger Delta in general.

He also expressed appreciation to the management of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, resource persons, and the President of AANDEC, Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor (retd.), for partnering with the PAP to deepen the peace process in the region.

Signed:

Mr Igoniko Oduma

Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme

15 December, 2025.

Tompolo, Otuaro and Verbal Dementia from Gbaboyor in the Lunatic Asylum_By: EnewarididekeEkanpou Ph.D

Trouble  is a word conceptually blessed with differing views. For Timiebi Maika the trouble with Nigeria is spiritual and cultural decay; for Rev. Mother Margaret Ekotoro the trouble with Nigeria is the dearth of religious ecumenism; for Chinua Achebe the trouble with Nigeria is the lack of effective leadership. For Jude Gbaboyor and their cohorts the trouble with Nigeria is High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro in their approaches to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism and the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Are Tompolo and Otuaro actually the trouble with Nigeria in general and the Niger Delta in particular? Is the firing of deadly verbal salvos  from the lunatic asylum, targeted at Tompolo and Otuaro, not the trouble with Nigeria in general and the Niger Delta in particular, Mr Jude Gbaboyor?

Geographically, for a cosmically decreed purpose, the wind blows seasonally at normal times.Wilfully against Tompolo and Otuaro a verbal wind blows malevolently without seasons. The vision-driven positions of Tompolo and Otuaro are the propellers of this seasonless verbal wind weighted to provoke ideological deflections and shifts in their principled stand on the dark component of life where inanities and evil thrive without chastising forces of dissuasion intentionally activated.

It is thought that for Tompolo he has brought upon himself disorientating stings of disorderly verbal bees by  his avowal to see a seamless sail of development to every part of Niger Delta.This is allied to his vision to end crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism coupled with his philosophical opposition to ritual killing, child trafficking and dehumanisation in any form however disguised.

Tompolo is a man always defined by very healthy ideals. In all the ideals  relentlessly pursued through the platform of Tantita Security Services Nigeria  Limited, he is daily powered by the core values of his traditional mysticism centred on Egbesu, the Ijaw god of justice and war against man-made obscenities.

Egbesu's aversion to blood-shedding, ritual killing and child trafficking is known to everybody. The immediate karma that stems from violation of these sacrosanct codes and ideals is also known to every worshipper . For perpetrators of ritual killing and child trafficking, for apostles of Niger Delta underdevelopment who barter their selfish individual  growth and self-aggrandisement for the underdevelopment of Niger Delta, Tompolo is their problematic 'Abiku' who operationally dismantles the space for these evil people to perpetrate their atrocities against humans and the Nigerian economy. 

It is an easily predictable phenomenon, even without the gift of clairvoyance, that whenever the piracy-consolidated operations of buccaneers on high sea are strategically dismantled, their anger is frustratingly vented on every conceivable object. This is the phenomenon that clearly explains why verbal attacks on Tompolo and Otuaro have become either an endless stream of arrows or a wind that blows malevolently without marked seasons from those hounds from the lunatic asylum led by Gbaboyor whose racketeering paths have gone fallow, overgrown with giant trees.

In every environment there are public commentators with streaks of lunacy. For such lunatic self-appointed national commentators and analysts with a tacit support for the raving lunatics ably led by Gbaboyor, the verbally diseased and malevolent  activities of these infidels of national and Niger Delta development targeted at Tompolo, are a true reflection of the man and how this widely  applauded Niger Delta freedom activist is viewed by true Niger Deltans. Wishfully, may you be butchered into small pieces and be thrown into the river over your supportive sacrilegious analysis! Enomenane!

Gbaboyor and and his cohorts are not only demented in their parroted perceptions; they are vapidly theatrical too. Like Dr. Otuaro's highly trusted fellow Niger Deltan,  Dr. Tompolo,  the PAP Administrator Otuaro  - as malevolently created, exaggerated and noised from Africa to America and from America back to Africa in teleguided videos and manipulated press releases meant for benighted and gullible minds - has reprehensibly stepped on the red line. Red line?Could anything be more vapidly theatrical than this perception?

 Stepping on the said red line over which all the derogatory names on earth have been heaped on Otuaro's head without demand and merit, is rooted in the ways he has run the Amnesty Programme based on his own flawless principle of borderless administration bound to actualise the objectives behind the creation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. This administrative daring to keep the PAP in  functional alliance with the original ideals and objectives is the open invitation to a verbal wind that blows malevolently against him without seasons. For these infidels of national and Niger Delta development, Dr. Otuaro has fearlessly challenged the gods by trying to breathe an  air of administrative sanity into the Presidential Amnesty Programme without consulting them for  directions that are obviously deadly.Who are they to be consulted when they are all inhabitants of the lunatic asylum?

Prior to the coming of Dr. Otuaro to the PAP office, proxies and cronies were used by these stinking eggs in the Presidential Amnesty Programme to deprive the genuine PAP beneficiaries of their entitlements. The 'cronies-proxies arrangement' criminally consolidated, the stipends of the beneficiaries were shared with the proxies and cronies while the real beneficiaries were shortchanged. Probably, it is these manipulative activities that have made it difficult for genuine beneficiaries of the PAP from Akparemogbene community and Oyangbene community to benefit from the PAP right from 2009, even after they have surrendered all their arms. They are supposed to be documented and integrated into the programme but they are still waiting for integration after all the formalities.On assumption of duty, Dr. Otuaro administratively activated a mechanism that marked the end of the use of proxies and cronies in the programme, though the awaiting Akparemogbene and Oyangbene beneficiaries are yet to be integrated into the programme because of the manipulative activities of racketeering syndicates that were there before Otuaro took over. However, I am very optimistic that Dr. Otuaro will address the issue of those from Akparemogbene and Oyangbene communities still waiting to be integrated into the PAP.

Scholarship commercialisation was a lucrative engagement in the PAP before Dr. Otuaro's arrival. So rampant was this phenomenon that the PAP was seen as a home of scammers where huge sum of money was collected from prospective students with the vague promise that scholarship slots would be given to them to study abroad. In the end these promised scholarship slots became mere vapour, or at best, some overzealous students were fobbed off with fake scholarships that took them nowhere. Again, Dr. Otuaro institutionally strengthened the internal structures that eventually deactivated the ruinous reign of these scholarship racketeering syndicates in the PAP.

Criminality-consolidated racketeering syndicates saw the PAP as a healthy experimentation ground for racketeering engagements activated to the detriment of the programme. The multi-billion naira Skills Training Centre in Kaiama of Bayelsa State had been invaded and looted by these criminals before Dr. Otuaro's tenure. The equipment and facilities in the centre were carted away by the mastermind of this invasion. Confidential information and classified documents were also routinely leaked to the public by these criminals.

Routinely leaked confidential information and classified documents always ignite conflagration in the Niger Delta among ex-agitators. Adequately briefed on the shenanigans that once characterised the Amnesty office and as a proactive step, Dr. Otuaro quickly created institutional reforms that made it totally impossible for the worms of manipulation and destruction to thrive. He did not target any individual; he merely fortified the system administratively, built on strategies  proactively streamlined  against the resurgence of racketeering syndicates in the PAP office.

Administratively waterproofed against the eruption of racketeering syndicates, the perpetrators of atrocities in the PAP office are now in every public space in Africa and America with the unbelievable propaganda that Dr. Tompolo and Dr. Otuaro are ritual killers and human traffickers who  deserve the punitive axe of President Tinubu and President Donald Trump. For these individuals from the lunatic asylum led  by Jude Gbaboyor, Tompolo and Otuaro must be relieved of the pipeline surveillance contract and the Amnesty office. What a pernicious thought this is? Perish the thought immediately!

In the naive and mentally distorted thoughts of these infidels from the lunatic asylum, President Donald Trump must  move against Tompolo and Otuaro over their baseless accusations which are only products of their progressive mental retardation. Is President Trump a pupil to be ordered and dictated to act according to the whims and caprices of confirmed, OSSIFIED lunatics in the Niger Delta?

The world knows who Dr. Tompolo  is and what he does as a freedom and development activist. The world also  knows who Dr. Otuaro is and what he does as the PAP boss. The noble activities of these two persons are well known to all Nigerians. The world does not need an instigatory propaganda from Jude Gbaboyor and  his cohorts from the lunatic asylum to know Tompolo and Otuaro. Everybody knows them and their capacity of performance in their various national engagements.

 Delusionally characterising Tompolo and Otuaro as two personalities with roots in ritual killing, child trafficking and illegal detention of people in Oporoza signals the peak of mental deterioration, debility and incapacitation.The mental story of Gbaboyor is indeed a familiar one in the Niger Delta. Long known to be stricken by schizophrenia, dementia, megalomania, narcissism and 'Amnestimosainism', the  lunatic Gbaboyor is  driven irrationally by delusions of success in his naked theatrical dance to demarket Tompolo and Otuaro in Nigeria and beyond so that the two great personalities could be unjustifiably relieved of their separate national assignments that are well attuned to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What a demonic wishful thinking from the lunatic asylum!

Even without prior update, Presidents Donald and Tinubu know a raving lunatic when they see one. Only a raving lunatic is prodigiously blessed and endowed with the capacity to create multiple stories around Tompolo and Otuaro from carefully shielded hideouts without  verifiably believable frameworks.This is what the isolated lunatic does daily like a maniacal bulbul. 

A propagandist like Jude Gbaboyor and his cohorts from the lunatic asylum do not merit responsive  salvos fired here - even if  occasionally -  in defence to place things in their normal order. To ignore his ravings would have been the best option except for the gullible minds digitally exposed to his endless propagandist dance.

Confessionally, there is indeed a trouble with Dr. Tompolo and Dr. Otuaro.The trouble with Tompolo and Otuaro is that Jude Gbaboyor is troubled that High Chief Dr. Tompolo and High Chief Dr. Otuaro are consistently consistent with their philosophy that crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism must stop and that the Presidential Amnesty Programme must be healthily run  in line with the objectives that necessitated its creation . 

I know that for Gbaboyor he will always drum up anti-Tompolo propaganda; for Gbaboyor he will always drum up anti-Otuaro propaganda, beginning from Africa to America and from Africa back to America like the propaganda once targeted at Wole Soyinka captured in the book THE MAN DIED. For Gbaboyor his propaganda will know no end because he is the perfect example of Chinua Achebe's The Trouble with Nigeria. This is attested to by the fact that in all positions Gbaboyor had held so far for the past few years within the Presidential Amnesty Programme , his deficiency was the dearth of effective  leadership required. I think Achebe should have entitled his book: THE TROUBLE WITH JUDE GBABOYOR. Better still, must we have Jude Gbaboyor educated by that exceptionally talented Gospel Artiste, Youpele Yola, 

anchored on the insistence that he stop forthwith his languid propaganda now that it is still three o'clock because it is over when it is six o'clock?

The entire world knows that the trouble with Nigeria is neither Tompolo nor Otuaro. Gbaboyor and his cohorts from the lunatic asylum must be reminded in a very simple language that Achebe is very unambiguous in tracing the trouble with Nigeria. For Achebe in his book, THE TROUBLE WITH NIGERIA', he says: The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership...The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership' (1).This is the leadership lacuna currently provided by Tompolo in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited through the war strategically waged against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, using non-kinetic approach. Similarly, this leadership lacuna that once bedevilled the PAP is being tackled effectively by Otuaro through his borderless policy of administration. It is, therefore, only in a republic inhabited by Gbaboyor and his cohorts from the lunatic asylum that revels in calling Tompolo and Otuaro image-battering names with a clandestine target 'to remove them from channels'  -  as Barrister Soja Smooth would say in his musical masterpiece, 'Total Setup'.

Dr. Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

IPF Invites Ijaw Nation to Grace her Second Media Conference December 17, in Warri

The Ijaw Publishers Forum has extended an open invitation to the Ijaw Nation to participate in the second edition of the Ijaw Media Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the KFT Event Centre in Warri.

Dr Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, will chair the conference. Organisers described his appointment as a reflection of the conference focus on policy, accountability and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

In a statement signed by Pastor Arex Akemotubo and Tare Magbei, chairman and secretary of the planning committee, the forum said the conference theme, “Safeguarding Niger Delta's Natural Resources for Future Generations,” speaks to the urgent need for responsible stewardship of the region’s land and waterways.

The conference will feature a keynote address by Amb Dr Godknows Igali, former Nigerian ambassador to Scandinavian countries, while Engr Udengs Eradiri, a former president of the Ijaw Youth Council, will deliver the lead presentation. Both speakers are expected to shape discussions on environmental protection, governance and the role of the media.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, will attend as Special Guest of Honour. A number of prominent figures across public service, traditional institutions and civil society will also serve as Guests of Honour.

They include Mr Lethemsay Braboke Ineibagha, Managing Director of Vettel Mega Services Nigeria Limited; Prof Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress; Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youth Council; Hon Spencer Okpoye of DESOPADEC; Dr Paul Bebenimibo, Registrar of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko; Chief Boro Opudu, Chairman of Delta Waterways and Land Security; and Chief Promise, President of the Egbema Brotherhood.

The Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Pere Luke Kalanama VIII, first Vice Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, will serve as Royal Father of the Day, while Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolowei of the Niger Delta, will serve as Father of the Day.

The conference will bring together journalists, policymakers, community leaders, and researchers to promote informed dialogue and collective action toward protecting the Niger Delta for future generations.