Mulade urges Gov Sheriff not to fail Deltans amidst abundance resources

Mulade urges Gov Sheriff not to fail Deltans amidst abundance resources 

...... Calls on political appointees to support Gov Oborevwori to succeed

A renowned Delta born peace and environmental rights activist and National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has told the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori that the oil-rich state deserves massive infrastructural and other forms of development because of the enormous resources with which it is endowed. 

Chief Mulade, the Ibe-serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-west LGA of Delta State, gave the charge in a statement at the weekend. He enjoined political appointees to give "proper and people-oriented advice" that will help the governor succeed.

The CEPEJ Boss appealed to all political appointees in the state to see their appointments as opportunities to serve Deltans and not for their own selfish interests. According to him, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori will deliver on his electioneering campaign promises if only the political appointees are ready to think out of the box as the representatives of the people in Government to usher in meaningful socio-economic development in the State.

He urged political appointees in the State to be bold and give genuine advice to the Governor so that he can embark on projects that will benefit the people irrespective of their political affiliations and devoid of mere political scores.

He also urged them to think about Delta State first and then the citizenry, as there is no place like home. "If we love what we see in far-away Dubai, UK, USA, etc, then we too can make it happen here in Nigeria. This will make our State to become a centre of attraction and a destination for investors from all over the world, he noted."

Chief Mulade lamented that Delta State was not among the top 10 States in the 2023 Report on Nigeria's subnational Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) which shed light on the varying degrees of business-friendliness across the country, while it ranked second among the five most indebted States in the country, owing up to the tune of ₦371.49 billion as at September 2023, with little or no development to show for it, dispite receiving the highest allocation in the Federation, which is very disappointing and embarrassing, he added.

Ijaw Publishers Hail Tompolo on NUJ Merit Award on Service to Nigeria

Ijaw Publishers Hail Tompolo on NUJ Merit Award on Service to Nigeria

The apex Ijaw media body under the auspices of the Ijaw Publishers' Forum, IPF has congratulated High Chief (Dr) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo for bagging NUJ Meritorious award on service to the nation.

According IPF, the award is timely and well deserved, adding that Tompolo deserved more of such appreciation from Nigerian government, oil multinationals and private individuals.

The group said Tompolo's contributions and sacrifices in providing proper security in policing the nation's oil facilities had led to the massive transformation of the Niger Delta polluted environment and increased oil output or production in the country.

The IPF's president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, in a statement urged the Nigerian government, security agencies and relevant stakeholders to give him the necessary support in his stand against saboteurs of the nation's oil asserts.

While commending Tompolo, IPF assured Tompolo of their massive support for his efforts to change the negative narratives against Ijaw and Niger Delta people.

Okun-Aghoro ll Community Announces Death of Highness Afro Biukeme

Okun-Aghoro ll Community Announces Death of Highness Afro Biukeme

Yenagoa _____ The Okun-Aghoro ll Traditional Council of Chiefs and the entire kingdom in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, regret to announce the sudden passing unto Glory of their beloved and respected Royal Highness, Late High Chief. Francis Afro Biukeme, (KENEDIRI 1), Paramount ruler and Amananawei of Okun Aghoro ll Community.

The late Highness whose sad event occurred on the 7th December, 2023 at Lagos State after a brief illness.

Late Royal Highness Afro Biukeme was born on the 27th May, 1970. He has been a beacon of hope and development to the community in particular, and the entire Niger Delta region as a whole.

He will be greatly missed by family, friends, business associates, political friends and well wishers all over the globe.

However, date for the final traditional burial rites shall be disclose to the public via this medium in few months from now, the statement added.

Signed: 

Chief Doctor Bosine, for the family/Okun Aghoro ll Community.

Dangote names Lagos refinery road after his late friend Herbert Wigwe

Dangote names Lagos refinery road after his late friend Herbert Wigwe 

Lagos_____ Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote on Monday named the road leading to the Dangote Oil Refinery, after late former CEO of Access Holdings, Dr Herbert Wigwe. 

The announcement was made on Monday during a special event held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, titled ‘Celebrating Herbert Wigwe – A Professional Legacy.’. 

The businessman and philanthropist said, “To immortalise my beloved friend, my brother, and my mentee, I have actually decided to name of a major refinery and petrochemical road, out of the 120 kilometers, the biggest road will now be named ‘Herbert Wigwe.’”

The group CEO of Access bank, Dr Herbert Wigwe died in a helicopter crash in the United States on 9th of February alongside his wife Doreen Wigwe, his Son Chizi Wigwe and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.

IPF Inducts Chief Kestin Pondi, MD Tantita Security Services as Patron

IPF Inducts Chief Kestin Pondi, MD Tantita Security Services as Patron 

Warri _____ The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has  appointed High Chief (Engr) Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Ltd, as the  patron of its organization.

He was inducted during the inauguration of IPF’s newly inaugurated national  media eight-man council in Warri, Delta State.

The President of IPF, Comrade Ozobo Austin delivered an impressive address, commending High Chief Pondi’s remarkable contributions to the engineering field and his dynamic role in the entrepreneurial landscape. The commendation went beyond personal success, as Ozobo outlined High Chief Pondi’s broader impact on uplifting the Ijaw nation and greater humanity as well as his love for thr media.

Narrating further on the influence of High Chief Pondi’s corporate strategies and leadership, Ozobo described how Tantita Security Services, under Pondi’s leadership had become a pivotal force in safeguarding the Oil and Gas industry. “High Chief Pondi’s business strategies and leadership qualities have transformed Tantita Security Services into an essential protectorate of the industry’s most sensitive and valuable assets,”-Ozobo stated.

“The imperative nature of Tantita Security’s role was underscored as the company has emerged as an emblem of outstanding operations and security strength amidst the numerous challenges in the energy sector.

Ozobo was quick to highlight, “High Chief Pondi’s profound understanding of the intricacies within the Oil and Gas sector, combined with his unwavering commitment to maintaining stringent security measures, is nothing short of commendation.”

In a tone of gratitude, President Ozobo extended thanks to High Chief Pondi for his resolute support of the IPF, noting it as fundamental to the prosperity of the Ijaw community. Further, Ozobo conveyed his confidence in High Chief Pondi’s ability to excel in his new role, offering prayers for success in all his endeavors.

Tompolo Backs NUJ Meritorious Award as he Receives Delegation in Oporoza

Tompolo Backs NUJ Meritorious Award as he Receives Delegation in Oporoza

Warri ____ In recognition of his contribution towards  the growth and development of the Nigerian state especially  in the maritime  security sub sector, High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo have been decorated with a Meritorious Award.

The Nigerian Union of Journalist NUJ led by its President, Chief Chris Isiguzo presented the Meritorious Award to him when the union paid him a visit in his   Oporoza country home, Gbaramatu kingdom  of Delta State on Saturday 2nd of March 2024.

The award ceremony which was officially held at the Nigerian Air Force NAF conference center Abuja last week was to honour Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavors.

Presenting the award the leader of the NUJ delegation  noted that Tompolo is one Nigerian who has contributed immensely to the economic, political and social development of the country and deserves such a recognition.

He commended Tompolo for leading the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage perpetrators  in the Niger Delta region with his security outfit  Tantita Security Services Limited which has helped boost oil production in great detail. 

Recall that the federal government had awarded oil and gas asset protection contract  to Tantita security and subsequently renewed the contract, commending the company for excellent performance.

This award from NUJ is one of the numerous  recognition that Tomopolo have received in recent times making him one of the most decorated Nigerians.

IPF Appreciate Ijaw Nation, Leaders, Donors on Successful Inauguration

IPF Appreciate Ijaw Nation, Leaders, Donors on Successful Inauguration

The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) extends its heartfelt appreciation to the entire Ijaw nation and generous donors for their unwavering support during the recently held inauguration ceremony of its National Executive Council.

The event, which took place amidst a backdrop of unity and enthusiasm, marked a significant milestone in the journey of the IPF towards advancing the interests of the Ijaw people through literary endeavors and journalistic excellence.

With the overwhelming turnout and overwhelming show of solidarity, the IPF wishes to convey its sincerest gratitude to all individuals, organizations, and stakeholders who contributed their time, resources, and goodwill to ensure the success of the inauguration ceremony.

The IPF reaffirms its commitment to fostering collaboration, nurturing talent, and amplifying the voices of Ijaw writers, journalists, and publishers across the globe. 

The newly inaugurated National Executive Council led by Comrade Austin Ozobo, pledges to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in all its endeavors.

As the IPF embarks on this new chapter of its journey, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower the Ijaw nation through the power of words and ideas.

Once again, the IPF expresses profound gratitude to the Ijaw nation and donors for their invaluable support and looks forward to a future filled with shared achievements and collective progress.

Signed:

Comrade Ozobo Austin

President.

Tare Magbei

Secretary General.

Oil Theft: Tantita, NSCDC Destroy illegal Crude Oil Camp in Ondo

Oil Theft: Tantita, NSCDC Destroy illegal Crude Oil Camp in Ondo

Akure_____ Operatives of the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL), Ondo State chapter, in conjunction with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Sunday morning allegedly engaged in crude oil syndicates on arms exchange in one of their illegal crude oil camps.

It was gathered that the joint task force of TSSNL and NSCDC had a long embattle of firearms with oil smugglers but the suspected were subdued along Alowe sea shore and they destroyed 700 kegs, which is approximately 21,000 litres of crude oil stored in a large containers.

This was contained in a Press Statement released by Captain Warredi Enisuoh,

Executive Director, Operations and Technical Services of TSSNL, made available to newsmen on Monday morning.

He said the conjoined security force as made known to the public the economic sabotage on Sunday in the western corridor after a red flag led by Chief Idowu Asonja, the TSSNL commandant in Ondo State.

According to Idowu, the huge amount of adulterated crude oil stored in a large containers was built locally and sold to local buyers by the saboteurs. This is suspected to be siphoned from the Trans-Escravos pipeline.

He stated further that the suspected illegal crude oil syndicates fled from their camp with their speed boats during the gun battle with joint team operatives.

Captain Enisuoh also disclosed that “the Camp was well fortified and the illegal Crude oil cartel believed was impervious for security agents. But, they received the shocked of their life”. Chief Asonja was qouted.

The TNNSL and NSCDC led team set ablaze 700 kegs containing 21,000 litres of adulterated crude oil, two wooden boats, crude oil and entire illegal camp to serve as a warning to others. Enisuoh said.

Meanwhile, Captain Enisuoh quoted Chief Asonja as advising the community dwellers in the Niger Delta, especially the llaje axis in Ondo, to refrain from crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and pleading with them to support the war against oil theft led by TSSNL so that the country can revive her economy.

Joseph Evah endorses IPF, lauds efforts at uniting Ijaw media houses

Joseph Evah endorses IPF, lauds efforts at uniting Ijaw media houses

Niger Delta foremost Rights and environmental activist super Comrade Joseph Evah has thrown weight behind the Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF, describing the inauguration ceremony of the National Council of body as a long time dream of Ernest Okoli and Chris Gomorrai of blessed memory.

Evah who described the invitation as a pleasure, promised to do all within his disposal to give moral support for the IPF inauguration.

He said building a formidable mainstream media in Ijaw was first dreamed by Ernest Okoli and followed by Chris Gomorrai but these noble ideas were killed by our common enemies.

According to him, raising strong Ijaw based media houses would definitely bring conspiracy of foreign media against Ijaw people to proper check.

While commending Ijaw Publishers, Evah also agreed that the foreign media criminalised Ijaw and Niger Delta struggle for self-determination and resource control.

He called on Ijaw leaders in the private and public sectors to give the Ijaw Publishers all the needed support and patronage which is a road map to building better Ijaw based media.

SP Bozimo backs lPF, promises to grace Inauguration on 29 February in Warri

SP Bozimo backs lPF, promises to grace Inauguration on 29 February in Warri 

Yenagoa _____ The 2/C Anti-Kidnapping Bayelsa State, SP. Bryant Ebibode Bozimo has declared support for the Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF. 

The young promising Nigerian police officer cum philanthropist made the declaration on Monday 26 February, 2024 when the leadership and members of IPF led by its National President, Comrade Austin Ozobo paid him a courtesy call at his office in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.

Ozobo noted that the intellectual body of media executives was ready to collaborate with the Anti-Kidnapping office towards attaining maximum results.

The body also officially invited SP Bozimo to grace its maiden inauguration ceremony slated for Thursday February 29, 2024 at Tunde Smooth playground, opposite Barracks junction, NPA Warri, Delta State.

In his reaction, SP Bozimo lauded the IPF for taking the bold initiative across Ijaw nation towards building a formidable media front to project and protect the ljaw interest in the Nigerian State.

Declaring his support for the body, Bozimo pledged to key into IPF vision by engaging them whenever the need arises, adding that his office is always open to welcome them at when necessary.

Ijaw Traditional Rulers to Grace Publishers Inauguration Feb 29

Ijaw Traditional Rulers to Grace  Publishers Inauguration Feb 29

Prominent Ijaw traditional rulers have commended the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) for coming up with the laudable initiative to unite and speak with one voice under the elected body of the forum.

The traditional rulers, Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom and 1st Vice Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Stanley Perediegha Luke-Kalanama VIII (JP), and the Pere of Ogbolubiri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Johnbull Polokowei, Apiarogun, Ongolo 1 made the commendation on Saturday, February 24th, 2024, during a courtesy visit led by the chairman of the forum, Comrade Ozobo Austin.

Speaking during the visit, the chairman of the forum, Ozobo who briefed the Akugbene Monarch, pere Luke-Kalanama during the visit hinted that, "We have resolved to speak in one voice under one umbrella of Ijaw Publishers forum.

"We have conducted an election and I emerged as the chairman. We deem it fit to come and inform you as our father that the body will be inaugurated its elected executives and we will be grateful to have you as our Royal father of the day".

Pere Luke-Kalanama appreciated the visit and promised to grace the historic event of the Ijaw Publishers Forum, adding that he will make time from his tight schedule to attend the occasion.

The pere of the Ogbolubiri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Johnbull Polokowei expressed joy over the birth of IPF and encouraged the body to dwell together in unity, he also promised to grace the occasion.

Oromoni pledges support for IPF, promises to attend inauguration Feb 29

Oromoni pledges support for IPF, promises to attend inauguration Feb 29

Warri ____ The ljaw Publishers Forum, IPF paid a courtesy visit to the Special Adviser to the  Governor of Delta State, Chief Sylvester Oromoni at his Warri residence in order to officially invite him for the upcoming inauguration of Council.

The apex Ijaw media body was led by its National President, Comr. Ozobo Austin alongside his Deputy, Mr Oyinbi Onduku, Tare Magbei, Secretary-elect, Hon. Tamsokunbiri Mmd Kpakamtv CEO, Dr Peres Clinton of Iduwini voice and Mr Preye Ekpegha of South-South Daily and others.

The Ijaw Publishers appreciated the Special Adviser, Oromoni for his unwavering support for Ijaw people during the Warri Crisis and also making Ijaw nation proud in the private and public sectors.

In response, Oromoni commends the apex body, and also advised them to report objectively and conduct themselves in a manner that would promote the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta region.

He also promised to honour the invitation in the Inauguration ceremony which would be held on Thursday February 29, 2024.

King Pereama, Alagoa to grace lPF lnauguration on 29 February in Warri

King Pereama, Alagoa to grace lPF lnauguration on 29 February in Warri 

Yenagoa ____ Following the upcoming inauguration of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), delegation of the council on Sunday 25th February, 2024 paid a courtesy visit to the Numupere lI of lzon-lbe, King Pereama Freetown (JP) at his private residence in Yenagoa as well as Comrade Moris Alagoa, a renowned Niger Delta Environmental Rights Activist at the Era Niger Delta Resource Centre, Yenagoa in order to officially invite them to grace the historic event.

The delegation used the opportunity to commend the Ijaw leaders for their selfless contributions to the Ijaw nation development and of course Niger Delta, adding that it would be a rare privilege for IPF to have their esteemed presence at the Inauguration coming up February 29, 2024 in Warri, Delta State.

Speaking at the visit, King Pereama Freetown commended the intellectuals for coming together to coordinate how the Ijaw and the Niger Delta stories should be told, after pledging to be in attendance personally. He also advised that the body should go about their business professionally and always avoid divisive reportage among leaders of ljaw nation.

While Alagoa Morris expressed joy over the visit and declared that he would attend the event, stressing that his organization, Era Niger Delta Resource Centre would work with the IPF in furthering the cause of the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta at large.

THE BRUISERS AND THE BRUISED ON THE JUDGEMENT DAY

THE BRUISERS AND THE BRUISED ON THE JUDGEMENT DAY

BY: Ekanpou Enewaridideke

In every struggle there are bruises and blessings as are bruisers and brutes.

The bruised are not only those bruised by bruisers

The bruisers and the brutes are as well the bruised.

The bruised are the losers but the bruised are not the only losers.

The true losers are those who sold and lost their integrity in the game.

The circle of the bruised is a treeless ocean, wide and multi-coloured in look; yet, echoed here are not the bruised of Achebe's Anthills of the Savannah.

Only the bruised known to the bruisers and the brutes are echoed here.

 

You may not like it.

You may like it, but

there must be judgement after everything.

So we went and waited for the first judgement,

Minds more on the held waiting second sacred judgement.

Like everyone we parroted our passion for you ,good-intentioned.

Only bruises and brutes came for us on the harvest day, the blessings waiting nearby with lips hermetically sealed, awaiting the second sacred judgement.

A loser always a brother of bruises and brutes - brutes that bring bombs to brutalise the bruised even after the claimed harvest.

It pays karmically when bruises and brutes are held at bay after the harvest.

The bruised, bruisers and the brutes must be partners in the politics of smiles after success and loss because tomorrow is befogged ...

The loser a brother of bruises and brutalities on the boat in the brook. 

The loser bombarded by mouth-bombs bundled to denigrate the diminished. 

The loser deafened into  a dance of denial of the denigration brought by the diminishment.

For the loser bombs begin a dance of denial detonated from dawn to dusk until the cycle ends its orbital journey when joys lose their charm in cycle-cessation.

It is always the story of denigratory dance whenever a manatee goes upland.

It is always the story of denigratory dance whenever a whale goes aground.

It is always the story of denigratory dance whenever a forester is stung by wasps.

It is always the story that denigratory dancers do dance but only once and no more, waiting for another song yet to be encored and played.

Bruises bring brutes who bomb the bruised with mouth-bombs fluttering triumphal wings.

Bruises bring brightness and benediction too because the loser is the bridegroom of bruises, brutes and blessings

Too blind to the cosmic bell we parroted our way into bruises

Too blind the brutes and the mouth-bombers bite the bruised with claims of tomorrow already claimed

The bruised and the brutal bruisers are all blind in this game only ruled by the cosmic bell.

So the bruised and the bruisers must be the watchmen over their words denied a seat in the cosmic kingdom

Still it must be cast like stone that a loser is a bridegroom of bruises and blessings hung cosmically until it is another dawn...

Barricaded the bruised now  stands.

For the bruised, barricade is the barricade to new paths beyond barricade.

The awaited second sacred judgement is the supreme for the bruised so vilely  barricaded in a world that holds its inhabitants no malice .

Even in a world that holds its inhabitants no malice...

The true losers are those who sold and lost their integrity in the game, not the bruised, the bruisers and the loser.

BY: Ekanpou Enewaridideke

Writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.