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Need For Ijaw To Tell Their Stories Themselves Take Centre Stage As IPF Is Inaugurated

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Joseph Ebi Kanjo 

The need for Ijaw intellects to put her stories in the right perspective in the media took the centre stage recently at the inauguration of a body known as Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), in Warri, Delta State.

The IPF is a body made up of Ijaw media entrepreneurs who aimed at narrating the Ijaw stories from the right perspective to the world in the media.

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The colourful inauguration ceremony attended by ‘who-is-who’ in the Ijaw nation, had in attendance the immediate past deputy governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro; His Royal Majesty, Pere Stanley Luke-Kalanama VIII, Pere of Akugbene-Mien kingdom; APC deputy governorship candidate in the last election in Bayelsa State, Chief Joshua Maciver; High Chief Kestin Pondi who chaired the occasion.

Others are: Chief Favour Izuokumor; Executive Director of Social Services, Delta Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC); Hon. Spencer Okpoye, Commissioner representing Ijaw ethnic nationality, DESOPADEC, ; Hon. keyness Oromoni, Senior Special Assistant to Delta State governor on Oil & Gas; Chief Sheriff Mulade, CEO, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, among others.

The Paddle of Niger Delta and Ijaw highlife super star, Barrister Smooth was also on ground to thrill guests as attendees particularly elated newly inaugurated members of executive of the IPF danced to his melodious Ijaw tones.

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READ ALSO: Tragedy As Edo Vigilante Punches Blind Man’s Wife To Death

The newly inaugurated executives are: Comrade Austin Ozobo, President; Comrade Oyinbi Onduku, Vice President; Comrade Tare Magbei, Secretary; Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, Public Relations Officer; Comrade Friday Mingo, Treasurer; Comrade Mike Ugedi, Financial Secretary; Mr. Francis Abai, Senior Policy Analyst/Chief Researcher, and Prince Bibaikefie Peretengboro, Assistant Public Relations Officer.

In his opening speech, Chairman of the occasion and Managing Director, Tantita Security Network, Engr. Kestin Pondi, said it’s high time Ijaw told her stories to the world herself, insisting that no man can best tell a man’s story better than the man himself.

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L-R: The newly inaugurated executives are: Comrade Austin Ozobo, President; Comrade Oyinbi Onduku, Vice President; Comrade Tare Magbei, Secretary; Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, Public Relations Officer; Comrade Friday Mingo, Treasurer; Comrade Mike Ugedi, Financial Secretary; Mr. Francis Abai, Senior Policy Analyst/Chief Researcher, and Prince Bibaikefie Peretengboro, Assistant Public Relations Officer, during the inauguration in Warri.

High Chief Pondi, represented by Chief Joshua Maciver, Bayelsa State Coordinator, Tantita Security Network, urged Ijaw elites particular members of the IPF to put right all the misconceptions and wrong narratives about Ijaw people in the media.

The Chairman of the occasion who said a body like IPF was long over due because of the critical role it will play in the days to come, urged members of the body to embark on research about the Ijaw people and make sure the wrong narratives are corrected.

He said: “One problem we have as a people, and of which other ethnic groups have gone far ahead of us, is research. I mean we seem not to have researchers in the Ijaw ethnic nationality, and if we have, then thet must be very few.

READ ALSO: CRPP Warns Obaseki Against Impeachment Move On Shaibu

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“I want to therefore appeal to the forum to encourage and promote education among the Ijaw ethnic nationality, and also go into research about Ijaw, without research we cannot go far.
With research you will know the truth about the Ijaw nation.

He urged the forum to also promote and preserve the Ijaw cultural heritage through their media work.

People have wrong perceptions about our tradition, so, please encourage it and take it seriously,” he advised.

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In his goodwill message, immediate past deputy governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, while appreciating those who initiated the idea of bringing Ijaw media practitioners under one umbrella, pledged his support to the body.

According to him, a body like the IPF is needed to put the Ijaw stories in the right narratives in the media.

Earlier, in his inaugural speech, the newly sworn president of the body, Comrade Austin Ozobo, said the IPF aimed at promoting ethical standards and professionalism among Ijaw publishers, writers and others.

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He added that the Ijaw nation is in need of a strong indigenous media presence to articulate its common challenges, hence the setting up of the IPF.

Ozobo expressed the belief that stories of the Ijaw man will be better narrated by Ijaw sons and daughters , considering “how our common enemies manipulated the foreign media against the Ijaw people, leading to the continuous bombardment of Ijaw communities, killing of innocent people.”

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“You will agree with me that the Ijaw nation is in need of indigenous media presence to articulate its common challenges revolving around balkanization, deprivation, marginalisation and internal slavery suffered by her people in the Niger Delta.

“Not only that,the media being the Fourth Estate of Realm needs a strong and balanced Ijaw-based media that will aid the development of Ijaw nation, reshaping Niger Delta’s intellectual Struggling for our people and will stand as a check and balance for the activities of the government and other stakeholders in the region and the country at large.”

He, therefore, “appealed to Ijaw leaders, private businessmen and political office holders to support and assist these Ijaw media volunteers and comrades to build a strong mainstream media and stay in the business “

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Tenebe Threatens To Suspend Edo Commissioner Who Fails To Wear Asiwaju’s Cap

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Chairman of the All progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has said that any Commissioner sent out of the State Executive Council meeting for not wearing Tinubu’s signature cap would be suspended from the party.

Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo had, during the Inauguration of the last batch of Commissioners, to wear the cap whenever they attend Exco meeting.

Tenebe in a television interview and monitored by our reporter said it was an act of indiscipline and insubordination for any Commissioner not to obey Okpebholo’s directive.

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He said any impediment for Edo APC not to achieve 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 would not be tolerated.

READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens

He said, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination.

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“We are doing it because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed. Everybody has keyed into realising the 3.5 million votes.

“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President.

“We are expressing our loyalty to the President by wearing the cap. Those complaining are not members of the APC. We, in Edo, have made it clear. No Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”

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Police Alert Public On Anonymous Bomb Threats In Edo

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The Edo State Police Command has alerted corporate organisations and members of the public to a wave of anonymous bomb threats being used by unidentified fraudsters to extort money.

The warning was contained in a public advisory issued on Monday by the Assistant Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.

She said the command is investigating what it described as clear attempts to extort through fear and intimidation.

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“The Edo State Police Command has observed a disturbing crime trend involving anonymous callers threatening individuals, business owners, and corporate organisations in Edo State, claiming that explosive devices have been planted within their premises.

READ ALSO:Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

“The callers then demand money, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met. These acts are clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation, and the Command is actively investigating reported cases,” Ikoedem said.

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In light of the development, the command urged members of the public to remain calm.

She added, “Do not panic or give in to any financial demands from such callers. The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is fully capable of detecting and neutralising explosives.

“Report all such calls or messages immediately to the nearest police station or to the Command’s Control Room via 08077773721 or 08037646272.

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READ ALSO:Tenebe Fingers Edo APC Chieftains As Plot To Replace Him As Chair Thickens

Avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic.

“Stay vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects, or movements in your surroundings.”

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Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the EOD team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads, to respond swiftly to any reported threats and safeguard the public.

The Command also confirmed it is working closely with telecommunication providers and other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.

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Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

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The Deputy Governor of Edo State on Monday led the state’s government delegation to pay last respect to the late Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Edo StaSte Command, Agun Joseph

The delegation comprised of all the security heads in the state, associates, politicians, as well other security.

The event which took place in Festival Hall in Benin, the deputy governor of the state described the late commandant as a man who impacted positively in the lives of the people.

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Idahosa said Joseph will surely be missed, not only by his colleagues, but hundreds of others who came in contact with him.

READ ALSO:CSOs, Academia, Impacted Communities Launch Climate Justice Campaign In Edo

Joseph was a man of man of exemplary leadership, a team player, and a thorough bred officer who shared intelligence with sister agencies during his service years.

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“As a state and people, we appreciate the commandant for being an astute officer who displayed quality leadership, exemplified courage, fairness, and justice in matters of security and governance.”

“Through his leadership at the NSCDC in the state, he exemplified courage, integrity, and professionalism of the highest order.

“He was a man guided by fairness, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility and excellence, always adhering to global best practices in matters of security and governance.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: NSCDC Commandant, Slumps, Dies In Edo

“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to pay our last respects to a remarkable officer, a dedicated public servant, a loving husband, and a devoted father.

“A man whose life was dedicated to serving our dear state and nation with distinction and honour,” he stated.

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On behalf of the Edo State Government, Idahosa extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.

Addressing the daughter, and brother of the deceased who were physically present at the valedictory session, Idahosa said, “We share in your grief and pray that God grants you the strength to bear this painful loss.”

READ ALSO:NSCDC Mining Marshals Smash Illegal Mineral Storage Network In Rivers

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“Though Commandant Agun has departed this world, His legacy endures — in the countless lives he touched, in the officers he trained, and in the peace and stability he worked so hard to uphold.

“As we bid him farewell, let us honour his memory by rededicating ourselves to the ideals he stood for — integrity, diligence, and selfless service to humanity,” he stated.

Heads of security agencies present at the event were that from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Correctional Service, NDLEA, and the FRSC.

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It would recalled that until his death, Agun, 57, was the commandant of the state command of the NSCDC.

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