Otuaro fulfils promises as PAP begins distribution of Laptops to 64 final year scholarship students across the country

PRESS RELEASE

7th August, 2025

PAP Begins Distribution Of Laptops To Final Year, PG Scholarship Students

*64 Beneficiaries At Nile, Baze Varsities Receive Computing Device

The Presidential Amnesty Programme has commenced the distribution of laptops to final year and post-graduate students under its scholarship scheme in partnering universities across the country.

To this end, 64 PAP scholarship beneficiaries, made up of 25 students from Nile University and 39 from Baze University, were presented with their laptops on Friday and Monday in the first phase of the distribution. The total figure comprises 60 final year, one doctor of philosophy, and three masters degree students.

Speaking at the presentation ceremonies at Nile and Baze universities, the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, remarked that the gesture was in fulfillment of his promise to the scholarship beneficiaries during his tour of partnering institutions in 2024.

He said the office recognised the usefulness of the mobile computing device to the students' academic success, especially as they prepare to write their final year projects, thesis and dissertations.

Otuaro, who was represented respectively at the events by Ebikpolade Zorab, PAP's acting head of administration, and Ebimene Jackson, secretary to the PAP boss, urged the scholars to make good use of the laptops and justify the objective behind the gesture.

Addressing the students, he said, "You are the first set of PAP scholarship students that are receiving these laptops, and we will also extend this (distribution) to other beneficiaries in other institutions that we are partnering with.

"I advise and encourage you to make good use of it for your academic progress. With these laptops, if you were to make a low grade in your project, we expect that you will score excellent grades because you now have portable computers to enhance your academic endeavours."

Otuaro reiterated his leadership's unwavering commitment to closing the human capital development gap in the Niger Delta, while working to ensure sustainable peace, security, stability and development in the region.

He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his strong support for the PAP and also backing the educational, vocational and other initiatives of the programme to achieve its mandate for the Niger Delta under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Earlier, the Head of Education, PAP, Dr Charles Ariye, had stated that scholarship beneficiaries had not received laptops in the past six years, adding that the office is interested in enhancing the digital literacy of its students.

"We are in a digital age. You are doing a lot with your phones, and with your laptop, you can do more. This effort is also aimed at aligning with the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s mandate to provide quality university education", he said.

The registrar of Nile University, David Olowola, and his counterpart at the Baze University, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, during courtesy visits to them by the PAP officials, commended the Administrator for deeming it necessary to provide laptops to the scholarship students to facilitate their academics.

They also stated the desire of their institutions to continually partner with the programme to develop the requisite manpower for national development and advancement.

Some beneficiaries of the laptops, including the leaders of PAP scholarship students in the two universities, Eperetun Gboroteiye (Nile) and Pedro Timotubo (Baze), as well as Oyinlayefa Ogiriki, Mina Ikiba, Friday Dunu and Martha Tuwabere, thanked the PAP helmsman for the personal computers (PC), saying it would help them a great deal in their programmes.

Signed:

Mr Igoniko Oduma,

Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme

07/04/2025.

South-South Development Commission: lsoko Group Appeals to President Tinubu for Chief. Moses Abeh Appointment as MD

The Southern Nigeria Emancipation Movement has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency appoint Chief Christian Moses Abeh, an Isoko son and a bold, loyal and trustworthy political asset and a team player as the managing director of the newly created South-South Development Commission. 

Chief Abeh has the credentials and expertise to be saddled with such responsibilities, having worked with two Governors and a well established businessman.

Your Excellency Mr President, it is a known fact that the Isoko people voted massively for the APC in the presidential and national assembly election, and Senator Joel's election as the senator representing the people of Delta South is a clear testament and a fact to that effect. 

As Mr President has appointed from all the ethnic groups in Delta State, it will be proper and highly appreciated if Mr President can do just this singular favour for the good people of Isoko in Delta State of Nigeria in appreciation of their massive support for the APC led federal government of Nigeria.

The Isoko land is rich in oil and natural gas, and her people are the most peaceful in the southern region of Nigeria.

Sign:

High Chief Sunday Edmund Oghenekaro,

President SNEM.

Comrade Prince Oghenemine Macaulay,

Secretary General SNEM.

The Season of Amaseikumor Festival in Gbaramatu Kingdom_By: Enewaridideke Ekanpou

Amaseikumor is the amalgam of mysticism, tradition and culture...

Every year in Oporoza Amaseikumor heaves to sight with a retinue of masquerades cast in varied colours, announcing stunning dance steps that tell a mystical story

Amaseikumor is the god of  blessing, wealth and growth; Amaseikumor is  as much a  god of blessing and wealth as it is a god of culture communicated in colourful clothes.

Tourists and cultural activists have their heads always buried yearly in Amaseikumor festival because therein lies their lifeline and oxygen of growth.

Musicians and writers always journey to Amaseikumor festival because therein lies their muses of creation.

Mystics, muslims and christians always troop to Amaseikumor festival because it rings in them the harmonising colours of the rhythm of purity.

For the pure-hearted, the yearly journey to Amaseikumor is a pilgrimage because Amaseikumor amalgmates all the constructive forces of nature as a sail away from danger, impurities and destruction.

Comes the Amaseikumor festival every year like a tidal dance .

On the great festival day all the components of Gbaramatu Kingdom are  amalgmated by Amaseikumor  to celebrate mysticism, tradition and culture.

Amaseikumor festival maps the yearly amalgamation of all the Gbaramatus into one canoe to celebrate mysticism, tradition and culture.

The tide is a storyteller in Gbaramatu Kingdom.

The tide tells Amaseikumor when and where to turn to when the season of Amaseikumor festival is come.

The mystical rhythm rings in Gbaramatu Kingdom whenever the tide tells Amaseikumor a  mystical story.

The rhythm of Amaseikumor rings every April of the year.

Upon the waters Amaseikumor gazes to know how the tide dances;

From the dance of the tide, Amaseikumor journeys to the right spot to sprinkle blessings on all because

the  town must not smell danger, impurities and destruction .

Amaseikumor journeys to the waterfront to gaze at the tide;

Away from the tide the god blesses all;

Men and women in cavalcade of colours camp in Oporoza every year because the town must sail away from dangers, impurities and destruction.

Men and women culturally communicative, dance to the glory of Amaseikumor because the town must not smell danger, impurities and destruction.

Tompolo turns here and there in  stunning white  clothes to embrace Amaseikumor masquerades because the town must not smell danger, impurities and destruction.

Dr Izonebi Alfred and countless musicians feed the surging crowd because the town must not smell danger, impurities and destruction .

The food and the festival clothes always outnumber the comers because the town  must not smell danger, impurities and destruction.

Comers don't get heavy like a drunk civet cat up the raffia palm tree in Akparemobou Forest because the town must not smell danger, impurities and destruction.

The Gbaramatus and all the comers mingle up  like two conjoined plantain fruits because the town must not smell danger, impurities and destruction.

Tompolo leads the Ijaws to celebrate Amaseikumor festival because the town, Ijaw nation and Nigeria  must not smell danger, impurities and destruction.

In varied colours all visitors and comers are benevolently smiled at by Amaseikumor

 because the town must not smell danger, impurities and destruction.

Always beautifully attired are the masquerades of Amaseikumor.

The culturally communicative masquerades stunningly dance  in homage to Amaseikumor because the town must not smell danger, impurities and destruction.

Blessings to all comers and visitors is the communicative path passionately ploughed and travelled by Amaseikumor because

the town smells danger, impurities and destruction when Amaseikumor is not celebrated;

The town grows because Amaseikumor is always awake.

The visitors and comers grow every year because Amaseikumor does not fail in his blessings to mankind.

Pure heart carried, comers and visitors are bound to smile home with a bag of blessings after the celebration of Amaseikumor Festival.

The echoes of Amaseikumor blessing knock at the doors of the pure-hearted at home after the festivities of the celebration.

In Gbaramatu Kingdom the song of growth, blessing and happiness is rooted in the celebration of Amaseikumor Festival.

From 19 April to April 25 every year the blessings of Amaseikumor pour like a waterfall upon all comers and visitors.

For mystics, tourists and musicians, Amaseikumor is the oasis every year because all the varied likes of the comers are given a spatial oasis in a language of mystical and cultural purity.

The town does not smell danger, impurities and destruction because tradition, mysticism and cultural celebration are blended like a good wedding wine served without a marked end.

The year wilts and journeys into obscurity when Amaseikumor fails in the yearly tidal dance and benediction.

Amaseikumor must always be celebrated because the town must not smell danger, impurities and destruction.

In the cavalcade of blessings recipients after the festival I always see the Pondis, Bebenimibos, Igbadiweis, Otuaros, Gogis, Akpafas, Oyanfas, and Ayafas, all attired in colourful clothes of pure white in proclamation of pure positions presented in the sacred temple of Amaseikumor.

Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

Buku Ebulous sets to fulfill marital rites with his heartbeat, miss Paghaeyefa Waterwei on 26 April, 2025 at Orugbene Town in Burutu

Warri _____ On Saturday 26 April, 2025, the duo Paghaeyefa Waterwei of Waterwei Phulu family of Orugbene Town in Burutu LGA and Buku Ebulous of Chief. C. T. Buku of Labor family in Ekogbene Town both in Burutu LGA of Delta State, would exchange marital vow according to the ljaw custom and tradition at Orugbene community.

According to the invitation card stated that the traditional marriage ceremony (dowry) payment would take place on Saturday on the 26th of April, 2025.

Venue: Orugbene Town, Burutu LGA, Delta State.

Time: 11AM Prompt.

The dou however, use this medium to respectively invite their friends, colleagues, well wishers and the general public to join them celebrate on their special day, adding there are variety of foods and drinks to dine and wine specially packaged for the merriment of guests at the marriage reception.

Meanwhile, it will interest you to note that the Groom, Mr. Buku Ebulous is a renowned ljaw historian and one time Chairman Egrangbene ancient community, President Ijaw unity watch. He is the President Egrangbene Federated historical body and also the current Chairman Egrangbene Urban Federated communities World Wide.

Come one, come all, see you there...

Family fixes 7-13 May, one week long state burial rites for foremost ljaw leader, Pa Edwin Clark

Renowned Nigerian elder statesman and respected southern and middlebelt leader, Chief, Sen. (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, will be laid to rest on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in his hometown of Kiagbodo, located in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

This announcement was made on Saturday by Penaowei Clark, the first son of the late Chief Clark, during a press briefing held at the family’s Kiagbodo residence. He was joined by prominent family members and traditional rulers, including the Pere of Ngbilebiri-Mien Kingdom, HRM Prince Samuel Akpomiemie Fuludu (Ogiogio II), Professor Collins Clark, and Chief Ebikeme Clark, Delta State Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure and Development.

The burial programme, which will span over a week, will commence on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, with a public lecture at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites in Abuja, starting at 11 a.m. According to the family, the series of events are designed to honour the legacy of the late national icon and will conclude with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Chief Clark, born on May 25, 1927, in Erhuwaren, Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, passed away on February 17, 2025, at the age of 97. He was widely recognized for his lifelong advocacy for justice, equity, and development, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

Remembered as a tenacious leader and a statesman of remarkable stature, his influence extended across political and socio-economic spheres.

The itinerary of the burial events includes a valedictory session at the Senate Chamber on Thursday, May 8, and a day of tributes at the NAF Conference Centre on Friday, May 9, at 3 p.m. On Saturday, May 10, a wrestling contest will take place in Yenagoa, alongside a service of songs at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, at 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 11, will feature cultural festivities such as a boat regatta and masquerade performances in Port Harcourt and Yenagoa. A candlelight memorial is also scheduled for that evening in both Abuja and Kiagbodo.

On Monday, May 12, a commendation service will be held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, followed by a valedictory court session at the High Court of Justice in Warri. Later that day, the late elder statesman’s body will be flown to Yenagoa for another commendation at Ijaw House, before heading to Warri for a lying-in-state and onward journey to Kiagbodo for a night vigil.

The final funeral rites will be conducted on Tuesday, May 13, beginning with a lying-in-state and commendation service at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo. This will be followed by the funeral service, interment, and a reception.

The burial programme will come to an end with thanksgiving service on Sunday May 18, in honour of a man whose life was defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people and country.

Takeme Unveils Development Plans for Burutu Local Government Council as IPF Pays a Working Visit

The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area in Delta State, Dr. Julius Takeme has reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable development across the council.

Takeme reaffirmed his resolve to implement measures that will uplift the developmental status of Burutu on Wednesday, when members of the Ijaw Publishers Forum paid him a courtesy call at the local government Secretariat. 

The visit marked the commencement of an inspection tour across Ijaw local government areas across the country by the conglomerate of media executives. 

Addressing the IPF entourage, Takeme said his administration bears the development umbilical cord of the MORE AGENDA by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

According to the erstwhile Delta South Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Burutu Local Government Area, under his leadership, has recorded visible infrastructural changes under one year.

"Armed with the MORE AGENDA by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, this administration has implemented several visible infrastructural developments in Burutu.

"That mandate has allowed us to give priority to giving Burutu the much needed face-lift under my watch. That resolve has pushed us to construct a combined 1 kilometre leghth of internal road network," Takeme revealed.

The Olotu of Obotebe Kingdom said his government has further invested in public health, environmental cleaningness, housing, and general welfare of civil servants, among whom include senior officers of the Council who had battled great discomfort in the discharge of their duties.

He listed such intervention projects to be the renovation of health centres in Labulouseigha and Ofougbene communities, construction and renovation of senior housing units for senior employees of the Council, and construction of residence quarters for the President of the customary court.

Others include the construction of three modern public toilets, distribution of drugs for health centres, and employment of over 2,000 women for the maintenance of cleaningness in the local government headquarters.

Takeme also revealed that many other projects are on the pipeline awaiting official commissioning ahead of his one year in office celebration.

The IPF led by Niger Delta activist and Publisher of Congress Newspaper, Comrade Austin Ozobo, explained that the tour forms part of the body's mandate to checkmate governance and development across Ijaw nation.

Ozobo encouraged Takeme to do more, urging him to maintain the momentum and to deliver more dividends of governance to the  Burutu people.

Tompolo Congratulates New NNPCL Management on Appointment, Assures Continues Partnership in Safeguard of the Nation's Oil Pipeline lnfrastructures

Chairman, Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief (Dr) Government Ekpemupolo has commended President Bola Tinubu for the appointment of new management to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, as he congratulates the new Board members.

Tompolo also promised the unalloyed commitment of his organisation to the continued partnership for the betterment of the country.

The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation made the call in a personally signed congratulatory message to the Press.

According to him, “I, High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), on behalf of the Management and Staff of TANTITA, extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed Member Board and Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), led by the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojuolari, the Chairman Ahmadu Musa Kida, and other members of the new Management and Board.

“Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) recognises your appointment as a pivotal moment in the journey of the NNPCL and the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

“We express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, as demonstrated by the careful selection of seasoned professionals to steer the affairs of the NNPCL at this critical time.

“Indeed, this decision by Mr. President underscores his administration’s dedication to ensuring that only competent hands are entrusted with optimising the vast benefits of our nation’s oil and gas sector.

“The challenges and opportunities before this new Management and Board are immense, but we are confident in their ability to drive the ongoing restructuring of the NNPCL to greater heights.

“Under their stewardship, we believe that the President’s mandate to ramp up local refining capacity and increase Nigeria’s crude oil production to 2mbpd in record time will be realised and surpassed.

“As our company has always done, TSSNL remains steadfast in its commitment to partnering with the NNPCL to secure and enhance Nigeria’s oil production capabilities.

“Our expertise in oil asset protection and our deep-rooted presence in the Niger Delta position us as a reliable ally in ensuring that the nation’s resources are safeguarded and utilised efficiently for the collective benefit of all stakeholders.

“We also take this opportunity to assure the new leadership team of our unwavering support in executing their mandate. As a critical player in the security of Nigeria’s oil assets, we stand ready to collaborate and contribute to a more secure and prosperous energy sector that benefits the entire nation and aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“As the newly constituted Management and Board embark on this critical journey, we urge them to remain focused, innovative, and diligent in delivering on their responsibilities.

“The expectations are high, but with their proven expertise, dedication and support of all critical stakeholders, we are confident that they will lead NNPCL towards a new era of growth and efficiency.

“Once again, we congratulate the entire Management and Board and wish them a successful and impactful tenure.

“May their leadership usher in unparalleled progress and transformation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry for the benefit of our great nation.” Tompolo said.

Ijaw leaders endorse Ijaw indigenous journalism at Iduwini Voice launch

President of Ijaw National Congress, INC, professor Benjamin Okaba, Professor Benedict Binebai, Chief Mulade Sheriff and others have joined together to promote Ijaw course by giving their full support to Ijaw media organizations..

According to them, the current stage of the Niger Delta agitation is no longer bow and arrows, but the  articulate media reportage of the under development of the Ijaw region to the wider society as voice of the under privileged people. 

Ijaw leaders gave their full support to Ijaw community journalism at the official launch of Iduwini Voice at the weekend in Warri.

In their various speeches, Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benedict Binebai, Chief Mulade Sheriff and Chief (Dr) Julius Takeme, chairman Burutu LGA have recognized the role and  power of media in Ijaw communities. 

In his key note address, Chief Sheriff Mulade, chairman of the occasion commended the Iduwini Voice newspaper publisher Prince (Dr.) Klintin Bibakefie and other Ijaw Publishers, especially the Ijaw publishers Forum (IPF) national President Comrade Ozobo Austin for leading the Ijaw publishers to have made Ijaw nation with a formidable force, by promoting the interest  of Ijaw nation and Niger Delta in particular.

INC president Prof. Okaba revealed that the Ijaw nation has been facing series of challenges within  one year, renging from political crisis in Rivers state, death of Ijaw national leader, Pa E.K Clark and others.

He assured that Ijaw nation will secure victory in the Rivers state political impasse, noting that Ijaw nation has not lost a battle from history. 

Professor Benedict Binebai has admonished the Ijaw journalists to be factual, truthful and fearless in the course of their rrlortage saying that journalism started from Ijaw nation with late Earnest Ikoli whose spirit is in Ijaw journalists. 

The erudite professor of Theater Arts of Niger Delta University during his key note lecture had propounded a new concept of journalism in the world which he described it 'Avant Garde'' journalism that is peculiar only to the Ijaw reporters that the news agents and the people in Ijaw nation suffer the same pain of injustice  of political, eceonomic and environmental degrattion. That long pain has powered the local Ijaw community people to have stood up for challenges taking the bull by the hoen to report the injustices in Ijaw nation, after mainstream journalism had failed with distorted news report and skewed editorials intentionally to under report the large scale of marginalization in Ijaw land.

Why Izonebi Thinks Ijaws should Unite_By: Enewaridideke Ekanpou

Izonebi Alfred is a music philosopher whose serial meditations are always channelled towards the betterment of the Ijaws and mankind in general. For Alfred it was only unity that   could enable the production of Ijaw governor in 2023 and so he musically reiterated the importance and centrality of unity in the Ijaws' move to produce a governor in Delta State. He was musically categorical that the 2023 Delta State Governorship dream of the Ijaws would not be realised if there was no unity. As rightly predicted by Alfred, the Delta Ijaws could not produce the Delta State Governorship because they were disabled and disenabled by dearth of unity and collective vision. Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori democratically became the governor of Delta State in 2023 driven by his clearly situated developmental vision for Delta State. Now all the feelers point to the fact that Governor Oborevwori will be returned democratically in 2027 without opposition because he has convinced Deltans infrastructurally and educationally through his numerous developmental projects and sustained bursary awards payment and offer of scholarships to Deltans.

For Alfred in 2023 whose thoughts were like that of a gifted prophet, he channelled his patriotic meditations in a musical masterpiece entitled 'Traditional Series' which moved interestingly from the beginning to the end without deflection from the surveyed path:  'Story, Story, story, oh story! come together you who are Ijaws; let us sit down together, talk and plan together'. This is the voice of Bekedoumo from Ekeremor town, Okoloba's wife, the daughter of Famoateiya and Koroyemo. 

 'The plans of a poor man do miss their track in the maze of the forest and fall through.' This is the voice of Beinta of Kpakiama town. 

'If we plan very early in the morning, we shall have a house to run into for refuge in the evening'. This is the voice of Izonebi from Ndorobou Forest.

 'Now that the Ijaws have decided to journey together on  one canoe, we shall do something great and remarkable'. This is the voice of Alapala.

Let all the Ijaws dance and jubilate now that all the Ijaws are on one canoe journeying together because we shall achieve something great and remarkable, Wabu. Come over here, you Ekanpou! We shall definitely do something remarkable now that the Ijaws are on a single canoe journeying together jubilantly towards the actualization of the Delta State governorship dream.

Looking at the canoe on which all the Ijaws are journeying away in pursuit of a common vision I can see Clark leading the canoe. Kingsley Otuaro, James Manager, Orubebe and Nicholas are all on the canoe. Kingsley Otuaro is the head of the supportive entourage from Warri South-West Council. Orubebe is leading the supportive group from Burutu Council  just like James Manager who is leading the supportive entourage in Bomadi Council. For Funkekeme, Emmanuel Amgbaduba, Enarede, Kelly Penawou, Chief Okrika, Bosini Ebikeme and Alfred Tortor, their supportive positions are firmly held in Burutu, Bomadi and Warri South West Councils. Sibowei, beat the big drum for the Ijaws since they are all paddling together on a single canoe. Ayama, please  beat the small drum professionally for me.Egole, please give me professional choral accompaniment.Fereborn, please open your mouth very wide and professionally chorus the song for me. Kingsley my brother, dance continuously and wait jubilantly for the remarkable day.

On the single canoe where all the Ijaws have resolved to journey together are Tompolo, Ek. Clark, Kingsley Otuaro, James Manager, Orubebe, Basil Ganagana, Kelly Penawou,Alfred Bubor, Braduce, Dan Yingi, Frank Enekorogha and Julius Pondi. We shall achieve something remarkable as long as all these personalities are on the governorship canoe in different supportive capacities.

Ei - e-e-e-e, come ye all my Ijaw people! Izonebi is using music to gather you all. So come together all the Ijaws. Governorship is metaphorically a mammy-water. Let us unite and work together because if there is no unity, the whole governorship dream will crumble. The governorship office is the home of inexhaustible wealth and developmental possibilities. Because the governorship is inexhaustible like mammy-water, go to Asaba and bring back to the Ijaws a bag loaded with the goodies of the office.Let the Bomadi man go to Asaba and bring back to the Ijaws the goodies; let the Burutu man go to Asaba and bring back to the Ijaws the goodies of the office; let the Warri South-West man go to Asaba and bring back to the Ijaws the goodies of the office; let the Patani man go to Asaba and bring back to the Ijaws the goodies of the office.If we collectively choose a consensus candidate very early in the morning, we shall succeed and this will do us great good developmentally. It is obviously our turn and we should each be firm in our different ways towards the realisation of our collective governorship dream. However, even if by way of artistic digression, it must be admitted here that this musically anchored  reverberating stylistic call on all the Ijaws for a united front is historically a musical stylistic echo of late Kuro-endi of Ayakoromo. 

I  want you to come together, consensually choose one governorship candidate and massively support the chosen candidate. If you fail to do this, the entire governorship dream will crumble. The would-be Ijaw governor could be from any of the Ijaw Councils in Delta State because   any Ijaw man is qualified to carry the governorship flag and labour for its actualization. Irrespective of the Local Government Area the would-be governorship flag-bearer emerges from -  Burutu, Bomadi, Patani or Warri South-West - he or she should be massively supported by all the Ijaw people.

Kingsley my brother, come out and dance while waiting for the Delta State governorship because the governorship is coming to the Delta Ijaws. Birifou says philosophically that if your family person does not betray and sell you, a person outside your family circle can never buy and claim you. If the Ijaws work together on one canoe without a voice of dissension, the Ijaw governorship dream shall be realised. Even if you don't pay attention to my voice, Izonebi has said his own. Even Fereborn and Eniye Egole have said their own too. Those that write books should spread the gospel that it is the turn of the Delta Ijaws to produce the governor. Ekanpou the writer should write to the world that it is the turn of the Ijaws to produce the governor of Delta state in 2023.

Finally, let me add as a cautionary piece in a deliberately repetitive language like a refrain that the Ijaw governorship dream may not come to fruition like a wilted flower if we fail to speak one language and abandon the collectively rigged ship deployed here as the governorship canoe on which all the Delta Ijaws have resolved to journey together towards the prized destination.Conversely, we are likely to produce the governor of Delta State if we work together as a team on one canoe without voices of dissension because all the things there are OTIETIE BIRDS!

Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

PAP Boss, Otuaro, Hails President Tinubu at 73, calls on Niger Delta people to continue support his administration

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has felicitated President Bola Tinubu as he clocks 73.

Otuaro described the President as a national treasure who has made invaluable contributions to the growth of democratic governance in the country.

He said that it is a beautiful thing that the President, a patriot with sterling democratic credentials, is at the helm of affairs, providing quality and historic leadership at this critical moment in the nation’s democratic journey.

He said that the President came with a clear vision of what he wanted for Nigerians and has made unrelenting efforts to make the country a better place since he became President in 2023.

He commended the President for taking the decisive step to remove the fuel subsidy which had become a heavy burden to Nigerians and the country.

The Amnesty Boss thanked the President for his genuine, unwavering, sustained fatherly support for the sustenance of peace, security and development in the Niger Delta.

He stressed that  the President’s love for the people of the Niger Delta was the reason behind the signing into an act  the bill establishing the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, and the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland; the South South Development Commission, the ongoing Coastal Road, and the sustained support for the various agencies in the region.

He also said that the President has replicated same in other regions as the father of the nation.

Dr. Otuaro especially thanked the President for his fatherly encouragement and unflinching financial commitments for the operations of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

He stressed that the President has demonstrated his love for the Niger Delta in various ways through his actions and deserve the support of the people of the region.

He used the occasion of the President’s birthday to call on the people of the Niger Delta to reciprocate the good work of the President by giving him and his administration their support.

While joining millions of Nigerians and all men of good conscience to celebrate the President, he prayed God to continue to sustain him in good health to continue to deliver on his electoral promises to Nigerians as he has been doing.

Tompolo and His Thermometer of Thoughts_By: Enewaridideke Ekanpou

For every mortal there are seasons of hibernation when thoughts are refined in loneliness...

No mortal defiles such seasons because this is not Achebe's Things Fall Apart where Okonkwo defiled the week of peace...

Tompolo is a traveller who journeys borderlessly...

Every town Tompolo travels to, Tompolo takes his thermometer that tells truth.

Tompolo's thermometer is not tampered and tempered to tell the truth towards which Tompolo turns without a misstep.

Tompolo turns and talks only when thorns turn towards  us.

 When thorns turn to terminate our tenures on earth, Tompolo turns to terminate the thorns. Tompolo timely turns to terminate only thorns. 

Thorns turn on Tompolo because 

Tompolo is the thorn-terminator who turns without being told to turn towards thorns

Medication is for patients, not for people who are healthy.

The ways of the mystic remain a mystery to merre mortals given to minimisation dance.

Tompolo is a mystic whose thoughts are governed by natural laws

Tompolo's thermometer works always, but not attuned to the targeted thoughts of mere mortals who only market mud to mutilate  man.

Tompolo is not  home if it is Tompolo you are looking for, mud carried pickaback to paint places that don't need painting parade...

Tompolo's time turns only when Tompolo's thermometer tells the temperature of the tide in the Niger Delta...

Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State

Just-ln: Ekeremor bags community development lcon Award, as Benja light academy marks her first annual Inter-House Sport at Okosuama Community in Delta

Oyinbi Onduku 

Warri _____ Following his numerous contributions as well as meritorious service to ljaw nation development in particular, and Niger Delta region as a whole, a renowned ex-agitator from ljaw nation, the Opu Abade who doubles as the Ogungbein-owei 1 of Niger Delta, His Eminence, High Double Chief. Benjamin Ekeremor, popularly known as American Sugarcane and Tompolo wisdom has bagged himself an award certificate of appreciation as the lcon of community development by the ljaw Publishers Forum, lPF.

The prestigious award certificate of appreciation was presented to him by a delegation led by the National President of ljaw Publishers Forum (IPF), Comrade Austin Ozobo on Friday March 28, 2025 at Okosuama Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State in recognition of his selfless philanthropic services to humanity.

Presenting the award certificate of appreciation during the first annual Inter-House Sport competition of Benja Light Academy Okosuama Community, the lPF President Austin Ozobo commended Chief. Benjamin Ekeremor for the sacrifices he had offered ljaw nation and Niger Delta region as a whole over the years, stressing that his numerous philanthropic kind gestures was duly acknowledged by the highest ljaw media body.

Ozobo specifically appreciated Ekeremor for single handedly rebuilding Okosuama Community after the Nigerian military invasion during President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, adding that what he had done for his people is incredible and is worthy of commendation by all well meaning sons and daughters of ljaw nation.

He noted that the land reclamation project, housing infrastructures, and the Benja Light Academy among others he attracted to Okosuama Community drew the attention of IPF to recognize him with the award certificate of appreciation in order to spur him to do more, Ozobo asserted.

Responding to the unexpected honour bestowed on him, Benjamin Ekeremor thanked the reverend highly sophisticated ljaw media body for their good works in rewriting the ljaw story in the right perspective.

He said the rapid growth of ljaw indigenous media houses has helped in reshaping the ljaw cause for Resource Control and Self-Determination in the Nigeria state without compromise. He encouraged the ljaw media CEOs not to relent in their efforts in telling the ljaw story, adding that his door is always open to welcome them anytime, any day, Ekeremor stated.

Climax of the occasion was presentation of IPF forthcoming Giving Back to School Project proposal that worths Ten million naira (N10, 000 000 00). The project is aimed at providing school uniforms, branded exercise notebooks, pens and other items for primary schools in Delta and Bayelsa States respectively.

However, the lPF delegation includes; Comrade Austin Ozobo, National President, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku, National Vice President, Comrade Tare Magbei, National Secretary, Dr. Perez Bibakefiye, National Assistant Secretary, Elder Cletus Opukeme, Elder Tams Okunbiri, Pastor. Arex Akemotubo, Mr. Ekpegha Preye and representative of Mike Ugedi.

IduwiniVoice Newspaper Set for Launch March 29, 2025 in Warri, as the CEO Perez Bibakefiye lnvites General Public to Grace the Event

The highly anticipated launch of IduwiniVoice is finally here! It is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11 am. This groundbreaking event promises to be an unforgettable experience.

The launch will be held at the prestigious MBB Event Centre, conveniently located by Class Motors, along Refinery Road, Effurun.

IduwiniVoice is poised to be amongst the leading platforms for news, information, and entertainment, catering to the diverse needs of the broader society. The launch event will offer a sneak peek into the exciting features of the IduwiniVoice brand with a mind blowing Keynote Address from Professor Benedict Binebai.

Save the date: Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11 am. Join us at the MBB Event Centre, by Class Motors, Refinery Road, Effurun, as we officially unveil IduwiniVoice to the world!

For more information, promotion, and sponsorship, please contact us directly on 08039146673, or visit our official website, www.iduwinivoice.com, or send us a mail via iduwinivoice@gmail.com.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025

Time: 11 am

Venue: MBB Event Center, by Class Motors, Refinery Road, Effurun.

We look forward to welcoming you to this epoch-making event!

Just-ln: Ijaw, N'Delta leaders call on Tinubu to sack FCT Minister Wike, Seek peace in Rivers State

Angry representatives of the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities have gathered in the ancient Bomadi community in Delta State to X-ray the state of affairs of the Ijaw Nation vis-a-vis the present happenings in Rivers State on Tuesday.

The protesting Ijaw and Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders who converged in Bomadi on Tuesday demanded for the immediate suspension and sack of the Minister Nyesom Wike from the Federal Executive Council. 

The aggrieved Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders strongly condemned the unguarded utterances and actions of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who had been insulting and making derogatory statements against the Ijaw Nation, particularly the revered leader, late Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, CON, OFR, citing that Mr Wike's comments are not only unacceptable but also a clear attempt to falsify well established facts and history and also undermined the contributions of the Ijaw people to the development and politics of Rivers State.

In a statement jointly signed by Hendrick Opukeme,

Chief Dan Ekpebide, Kennedy Orubebe, Bunor Agbomudarho, Felix Tuodolor, Ari Sylvester Ari and 

Loveth Timothy said Wike's statements were capable of stoking ethnic crisis in the Niger Delta, adding that such moves should be resisted in order to avoid unnecessary conflicts in the region.

According to the statement, Chief Nyesom Wike actions were most embarrassing antagonist in the Rivers State conflict, stressing that his continued stay in office is a national embarrassment. 

The leaders and stakeholders pointed out that Wike's actions had brought shame and disrepute to the nation, and his presence in the Federal Executive Council undermined the integrity of President Tinubu’s government.

The Niger Leaders urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to address the embarrasing situation in Rivers State and restore peace, stability, and good governance to the Niger Delta region.

Read the full text:

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE ONE-DAY IJAW NATIONAL SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME

We, the representatives of the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, gathered in the ancient community of Bomadi in Delta state to X-ray the state of affairs of the Ijaw Nation vis-a-vis the present happenings in Rivers State.

Attendance:

In attendance were representatives of the National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), representatives of the Zonal Executive Committees of the INC and IYC, the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA),

Meinbutu Federated Communities,

Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationalities (MOSIEND), first class Ijaw traditional rulers from Delta State, indigenous Delta Ijaw communities from Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Warri South West and Warri North LGAs.

Also in attendance to solidarity with the Ijaws were representatives of the youth wings of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Ndokwa Neku Union and the 

Ogbaku-Etche Delta State Branch.

REAFFIRMATION OF OUR COMMITMENT TO THE STRUGGLES OF THE NIGER DELTA PEOPLE 

We want to reaffirm our commitment to the struggle for justice, equality, and self-determination by our forebears. This is because our estate has not changed as the Ijaws are still politically and economically marginalised and balkanised. It is in this light, we stand united in  condemning the excesses of the Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesome Wike and the President's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The contributions of the Ijaw Nation to the Creation of Rivers State

We are proud of the pivotal role played by our forebears in the creation of Rivers State. The Ijaws of Rivers State have been instrumental in shaping the state's history, from the early struggles for autonomy to the present day. We honor the memory of late Pere Harold Dappa-Biriye, who led a delegation of Ijaws to the Lancaster House in 1957 to advocate for the creation of Rivers State. We also acknowledge the role played by the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro whose twelve days revolution led to the creation of Rivers State.

MINISTER NYESOME SHOULD BE SUSPENDED FROM THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

We strongly condemn the unguarded utterances and actions of Minister Nyesome Wike, which have been insulting and derogatory towards the Ijaw Nation, particularly our revered leader, Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, CON, OFR. Chief Wike's comments are not only unacceptable but also a clear attempt to falsify well established facts and history, and also undermine the contributions of the Ijaw people to the development and politics of Rivers State. His statements are also capable of stoking ethnic crises in the Niger Delta. This must be resisted.

In order to avoid such conflicts, we are demanding for the immediate suspension of Minister Nyesome Wike from the Federal Executive Council. 

Chief Nyesome Wike is the most embarrassing antagonist in the Rivers State conflict, and his continued stay in office is a national embarrassment. His actions have brought shame and disrepute to the nation, and his presence in the Federal Executive Council undermines the integrity of President Tinubu’s government. We urge President Tinubu to take immediate action to address this situation and restore peace, stability, and good governance to the Niger Delta region.

EMERGENCY RULE IN RIVERS STATE

It is sad that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State citing few breaches in security. There are worst happenings in other parts of Nigeria where herdsmen, bandits, unknown gunmen have been killing and kidnapping hundreds of persons and are even ruling entire local governments yet no state of emergency has been declared. Therefore we reject the President's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which suspends the democratic institutions, the Governor, and the Legislative organs of government. This move is a clear violation of the principles of democracy and good governance. It also appears bias as Chief Wike who is a provocateur of the Rivers State crises is still in office as a minister. We therefore demand an immediate reversal of this decision and a return to democratic rule in Rivers State.

CONCLUSIONS

We, the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, will continue to stand united in our pursuit of justice, equality, and self-determination. We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will not be deterred from our struggle. We demand an end to the systemic injustices that have held us captive for centuries and a recognition of our rights to self-determination, to control our resources, and to shape our destiny.

Long live the Ijaw Nation! 

Long live Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark! Long live our struggle for freedom, justice, and self-determination.

Signed:

Hendrick Opukeme

Chief Dan Ekpebide

Kennedy Orubebe.

Bun or Agbomudarho

Felix Tuodolor

Ari Sylvester Ari

Loveth Timothy

Just-ln: PANDEF Salutes President Tinubu for Signing lnto Law South-South Development Commission Bill

PANDEF PRESS STATEMENT 

"PANDEF THANKS MR PRESIDENT FOR SIGNING OF SOUTH SOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BILL  INTO LAW". 

On behalf of the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities and peoples which make up the South-South geopolitical zone, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)  conveys  profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on the historic signing of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law,  announcedon Tuesday the 25th of March,  2025. We also commend the National Assembly for the timely completion of work on this piece of legislation. 

This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote even regional development across the country and; in particular, to address the peculiar social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing our region. 

PANDEF is hopeful that in setting up this new Commission,  Mr President will carefully select competent and tested hands with cognate skills and experience to ensure that this body plays its complimentary role to the efforts of  our Governors in delivering  sustainable development to the region, which continues to contribute immensely  to the sustenance of the Nigerian national economy for decades.

PANDEF reiterates that other outstanding issues, especially  environmental remediation from negative impact of oil and gas production as well as acute deficit in  basic infrastructure which constitute existential threat to the South-South, would be treated as priority.

Finally , PANDEF is hopeful that based on the sustained nationwide appeals and genuine concerns from virtually every corner of the country over the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor and the State Assembly, Mr President would graciously accord urgent attention to restoration of the the State back to its normal democratic governance by immediately recalling the Governor, Deputy Governor and the State Assembly. 

Once again, we thank  President Tinubu and the National Assembly for this significant milestone. 

PANDEF looks forward to continued collaboration, progress, and peace in the days ahead.

Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON 

National Chairman.