Ijaws protest in Abuja, back INEC over Warri constituency delineation report

Members of the Ijaw ethnic nationality in Warri, Delta State, on Thursday staged a solidarity rally in Abuja in support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.

The group commended INEC for what they described as a fair and lawful implementation of a Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking during the rally at INEC headquarters, spokesman for the group, Chief David Reje, said the Ijaws have suffered from unfair ward allocation for over 29 years. He praised INEC for upholding the rule of law and ensuring due process in the delineation exercise.

“We are here to appreciate and thank INEC for its good work since 2022 after the Supreme Court judgment,” Reje said.

“You engaged all stakeholders — the Ijaws, Itsekiris, and Urhobos — including their traditional rulers. You visited the communities, carried out fieldwork, and developed a proposed report based on firsthand observation.”

He dismissed claims that stakeholders were not consulted, noting that all ethnic groups participated actively in discussions held in Warri, Asaba, and other locations.

Reje also addressed objections from some Itsekiri groups, saying:

“Gone are the days of arbitrary ward allocations. What INEC has done is a diligent and transparent delineation process, not done in secret but through extensive fieldwork.”

He hailed the delineation as a step toward political freedom and identity for the Ijaw people:

“We have moved from political slavery to political emancipation. No longer will others dictate our candidates. This is about cooperation, not domination. We seek a united federal constituency where all groups can thrive.”

The protesters were received by INEC officials, including National Commissioners Prof. Abdullahi Zuru and Malam Mohammed Haruna.

Prof. Zuru thanked the group for their peaceful conduct and support.

“We appreciate your recognition of the Commission’s efforts. INEC remains committed to doing what is right to uphold democracy in Nigeria. With God’s help, we will continue to let democracy guide all our decisions,” he said.

Ogidigbein oil field shut down by ltsekiri youths in Warri not under Tantita surveillance - Tompolo

The chairman of the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, speaking through his media aide, Dr Paul Bebenimibo has clarified that the oil facility shut down by the protesting Itsekiri communities' youths not under the cover of Tantita surveillance operations, adding that the Ogidigben oil field is under Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a firm linked to the Olu of Itsekiri,”.

It was gathered that an oil facility producing 28,000 barrels per day in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area, was shut down on Wednesday by aggrieved Itsekiri protesters over alleged marginalisation in ward delineation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a swift response, Tompolo distanced himself and his security outfit from the protest and its underlying issues. He emphasised that the oil facility targeted by the protest falls outside Tantita’s operational zone.

"Nobody dares Tantita. The issue has nothing to do with Tantita and Tompolo. It is not only Tantita that is doing the security job. The Olu of Itsekiri’s company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, is also covering that area,” Bebenimibo noted.

“The Ogidigben oil field is not under our watch but under Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a firm linked to the Olu of Itsekiri,” Bebenimibo added.

However, the facility, now owned by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings after its acquisition from Shell, witnessed a complete halt in operations during the peaceful protest, which featured placard-carrying Itsekiri locals expressing their discontent.

Delta State PDP Auditor, Pst. Arex Akemotubo Clarifies the Public on Otuaro's Photograph with APC Leaders Circulating Online

A photograph circulating online showing the immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, H.E. Dcn. Kingsley B. Otuaro, alongside leaders of the APC has sparked public speculation. However, his spokesman and Auditor, PDP, Delta State, Pst. Arex Akemotubo, has clarified the context.

In his words:

"It's normal for leaders across party lines to interact and engage on various national issues of mutual interest. Such interactions are a testament to the maturity of our democracy and the spirit of collaboration that transcends party differences."

PANDEF President, lgali writes open letter to Rivers State Administrator, Ibas, cautions him against abuse of power

 

OPEN LETTER FROM AMB. IGALI TO ADM. IBAS

3rd April, 2025

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), CFR

Administrator,

Rivers State,

Government House,

Port Harcourt. 

Dear brother and Admiral,

OUR DEEP CONCERNS OVER TEARING DOWN OF DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS IN RIVERS STATE

I have thought it important and quite pertinent to write to you to raise a matter of serious concern to all watchers of event in Rivers State and particularly leaders of various groups in the South-South of the country. This is as it pertains to what we observe to be a systematic tearing down of various structures, which are important for the continued building and consolidation of democracy in Rivers State right now taking place under your watch.

2. Before I proceed, let me express my regret that I did not, as expected, send felicitations to you on your appointment 

to this office. I must say that this has nothing to do with my esteem for you and our joint participation in national service in which God graciously took we both to the very peak of our chosen careers. Conversely, at my last count, I congratulated you both on your appointment as Chief of Naval Staff in 2015 and thereafter as Nigeria's High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana in 2021. 

3. On this occasion of your most recent appointment, I could not extend same brotherly felicitations on account of the fact that I still cannot come to terms that a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State just one week after our most revered leaders had audience with Mr. President on 11th March 2025.   On that occasion, he requested leaders of South-South under PANDEF to go and continue with peace building in Rivers State and report back to him. Alas, there was no chance for that.  Besides, I have been close enough in government, having worked closely with at least 3 former Presidents to know that the decapitation of democratic institutions in times of emergency rule is alien and repugnant to our current democratic structure. 

4. I recall vividly that during the time of President Goodluck Jonathan, the then Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN, was man enough and had the fear of God to tell the then President that even though the parts of the country, i.e., Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe were under foreign invasion, a state of emergency cannot result in pulling down the institutions of democratic governance we are still nurturing after long years of military rule. 

5. It was therefore difficult for me, despite the fact that you are a man with a good service record and also one of our proud sons, to endorse you.  Because your presence in Rivers State is an embarrassing aberration to all men of goodwill and good conscience.

6. However, PANDEF will work with you to ensure your peaceful tenure and early exit from the scene in Rivers State. That is why we have continually urged our people, particularly the youths and political actors of Rivers State, to accord you maximum cooperation.  The more troubling scenario that has emerged from your assumption of office is the unbelievable level of dismantling, disassembling, and raising down all the institutions of democracy that have been in existence in the state. These are many, and I may not be able to exhaustively recount all of them, but the mention of a few will suffice. 

7. First is the removal of the photographs of the elected governor from all offices when he has not yet been removed from office. This I saw first-hand at the Port Harcourt International Airport, where I often pass through and was told this was at the behest of your administration.   On enquiry, I was told that this has happened in all other government offices around the state.  Beyond that, is your most recent decision to suspend the boards of existing statutory institutions such as State Independent Electoral Commission, Governing Councils of Tertiary Institutions, and even the revered Traditional Rulers Council. 

8. I do not claim to be an expert on constitutional matters but as one who has been atop in the country's bureaucracy and from best global practices around the world which I know too well from my diplomatic career of nearly half a century, the duties of a sole administrator as a placeholder are: 

i) Making decisions in an interim manner regarding the management and day to day administration of the state; 

 ii) Financial control, especially receiving money, making payments, and ensuring transparency;

iii) Managing personnel and ensuring other human resource functions; and 

iv) Taking measures to ensure peace, particularly using the office to intermediate and bring back peace to the realm in question; in this case, Rivers State.  

9. It is against this backdrop that I have been in great pain to write this letter to you and take the liberty to caution that in this complex national assignments which you find yourself enlisted to carry out, you must be timorous enough to not find yourself taking decisions that pale in the sight of best and acceptable standards of decency.  This is more so as I have thoroughly read the Gazette dated 19th March, 2025 appointing you as Administrator as well as extracts of National Assembly Proceedings of Thursday, 20th March, 2025 and do not find the kind of wide and sweeping powers being deployed by your office.  

10. In conclusion, may the good Lord use you as a dispassionate instrument of peace, and may you have the courage to undo some of your actions that have so far proven to be over the bar.

10. With my regards.

Signed:

Godknows Boladei Igali, 

National President PANDEF.

Gen. Mozemo hails Tompolo on exemplary leadership capacity in the Niger Delta, congratulates new NNPCL GCEO, Engr. Bashir Bayo

Press Statement

9th April, 2025

APPRECIATION TO HIGH CHIEF GOVERNMENT EKPEMUPOLO (TOMPOLO) BY GEN. MOZEMO, SUPERVISOR ISABA UNIT, TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES

" On behalf of myself and the entire Tantita Security team in Isaba Unit, I, General Mozemo, wish to sincerely appreciate and commended the former leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo for extending a hand of peace and maturity by congratulating the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojuolari, the Chairman Ahmadu Musa Kida, and other members of the new NNPCL management and board."

" This show of leadership and statesmanship—despite initial concerns over the appointments—demonstrates your continued commitment to peace, national development, and the advancement of the oil and gas sector, especially in the Niger Delta region."

" Your congratulatory message to the newly appointed NNPCL Board members has proven once again that you are a man of peace, progress, and true leadership.

" Your decision to embrace and support this new leadership marks a new chapter in the pursuit of stability and growth, both in the oil industry and in Nigeria at large."

Once again, we thank you, our respected General, for leading by example, the statement added.

Signed:

General Mozemo,

Isaba Unit Supervisor,

Tantita Security Services Limited.

Takeme Inaugurates 23-Member Advisory Peace Building/Advocacy Committee in Burutu Council

The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Chief Dr. Julius Takeme, today, the 8th of April 2025, inaugurated a 23-member Peace Building and Advocacy Committee, tasked with promoting peace, unity, and stability within the LGA.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Burutu Local Government Secretariat, marks a significant step in the implementation of the council’s development agenda, tagged ' The Advancement of the M.O.R.E. Agenda. 

In his remarks, the council chairman described the appointees as individuals of integrity, with exemplary character, proven leadership qualities, and commendable track records in both the public and private sectors. He expressed confidence that the committee’s efforts would contribute immensely to the progress of the local government.

“The Peace and Advocacy Committee is expected to not only help maintain peace across the LGA but also provide expert advice to the council in line with our developmental goals,” he said. The council chairman further urged members to be proactive and dedicated in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated committee, is it's Chairman, Justice J.F. Daubry (Rtd.), he  expressed appreciation to the council chairman for the trust reposed in them. He assured that the committee would live up to expectations, emphasizing the integrity and commitment of all members.

The Peace and Advocacy Committee is set to play a key role in sustaining communal harmony and advising on policies that will drive the growth and development of Burutu LGA.

Delta State ALGON condoles with Bekederemo's family over death of Elder statesman Pa Clark

The Delta State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a renowned patriarch and nationalist who passed away at 97. The visit aimed to show support and solidarity with the Clark family during this difficult time.

During the visit, Hon. Andaye acknowledged the significant loss of a leader and voice for the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta. Prof. College Collins Clark, head of the Clark Fuludu Bekederemor family, expressed gratitude to ALGON for their support and presence throughout the family's journey.

The ALGON chairman, Hon. Isaiah Onoriode Esiowa, prayed for the family's strength and resilience in coping with this irreplaceable loss, assures the family of full involvement of ALGON all through the Funeral process. 

Members of ALGON at the Condolence visit; 

- *Hon. Isaiah Onoriode Esiowa*, Okpe LGA Chairman and ALGON Chairman

- *Hon. Dagidi Rawlings Andaye* ,  Bomadi LGA chairman and Secretary of ALGON

- *Hon. Pst Jude Chukwunwike*, Aniocha South LGA Chairman 

- *Hon. Isaac Aguanah*, Patani LGA Chairman 

- *Hon. Vincent Osilonya*, Ndokwa East LGA Chairman 

- *Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday*, Isoko South LGA Chairman.

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.