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

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.
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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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.

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.
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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.
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.”
“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 “
News
Oba of Benin Renews Bond With Ancestral Relations, Nigerians During Emorhọ Feast

The palace of the Oba of Benin was agog with activities during the 2025 Emorhọ fest, declared by Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin as part of activities to mark the ancient Emorhọ, otherwise known as the ‘New Yam Festival’.
Oba of Benin, who reenacted the age-long festival, renewed the bond that exist between him and his ancestral relations from Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State at the event, which attracted dignitaries, including Benin people, indigenes and non-indigenes across Edo State.
Members of the Benin Royal family, Edionwere (village heads), youth leaders across the various communities in Benin, market women group, palace chiefs, traditional priests and priestesses in Benin, were also in attendance.
READ ALSO:Oba Of Benin Declares Two-week Fasting, Prayer For Edo
A special prayer offered on behalf of the palace by Chief Enorense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin, paved the way for the commencement of the feast, where Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, welcomed guests and highlighted the essence of the gathering.
Speaking in an interview, Oba Ewuare younger ancestral relations from Issele-Uku led by Chief Michael Odiakosa, expressed delight for the privilege to be part of the historic celebration.
He explained the relationship between Benin and Issele-Uku, reaffirming that, “Issele-Uku is an extension of Benin Kingdom. We are all descendants of Benin. So, we are at home”.
READ ALSO:Oba Of Benin Ushers In ‘Emorọ’
“We are in a safe place. We came to celebrate the festival with our father, the Omo N’ Oba, and we are happy to be here”, Odiakosa said.
On his part, 99-year-old Pa. Paul Osarumwense Oyemwen, the Odionwere of Orior-Ozolua community in Uhunmwode LGA who thanked the Oba for the gesture, said the festival is not new in Benin and it’s devoid of sacrifices.
Expressing her appreciation to the Oba of Benin, the ‘Edo markets leader’, Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Ibhaguezejele, noted that members of the group have been waiting anxiously for the opportunity to partake in the yearly festival, while praying God that the blessings of the festival to transform lives.
Also speaking, Pa. Daniel Osunde, the Odionwere of Idumwun-owina, N’ Iyeke-orhiomwon, also prayed for the Oba and thanked the first Class traditional ruler for his foresight.
Excited guests in their numbers were fed with African delicacy, amid dancing and jubilation, while members of Isikhian women group who gave a good account of their stewardship, were not left out in the celebration by the Oba who rewarded them with cash gift and other items in acknowledgement their duties in Benin.
News
Okpebholo Poised To Surpassing People’s Expectations — Edo Deputy Gov

Edo deputy governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa has assured that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration is poised to surpass the expectations of the people of the state in terms of campaign promises fulfilment.
Idahosa said that the administration had hit the grand running right from the day of inauguration by identifying and prioritising the key areas of the SHINE agenda for implementation.
A statement by Mr Friday Aghedo, Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, said Idahosa spoke when he received the prestigious Peace Ambassador Award from the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).
The award ceremony held at the deputy governor’s office during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the IAWPA led by the President, Amb. Per Stafsen, the South-South Coordinator/Edo state Director, Amb. Amos Areloegbe, and other zonal representatives.
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“We pray, by the grace of God, Edo State will surpass the expectations of the people when we are through with our tenure,” he declared.
Idahosa described the recognition as a source of pride, not just for him, but for the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.
“Governor Okpebholo is a man of peace, and his government stands firmly for peace. This award is a validation of his unwavering commitment to building a safe and harmonious Edo State,” he said.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that peace and security remain central pillars of the government’s five-point SHINE agenda, noting that collaboration with traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society organizations has been vital in sustaining stability across the state.
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“Peace is extremely important in any society. Where there is peace, there is security; where insecurity prevails, peace cannot exist.
“This recognition today strengthens our resolve to continue being ambassadors of peace,” Idahosa stated.
On his part, Amb. Amos Areloegbe noted that IAWPA, a United Nations–certified body aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), deliberately chose Edo State to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2.
According to him, “Edo State remains one of the most peaceful states in the federation, hence our choice to celebrate here.”
The investiture was hailed by observers as not only an honour to Idahosa but also as an acknowledgment of Edo’s growing reputation as a bastion of peace under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.
News
Ogoni Women Protest Resumption Of Oil Production, Demand Accountability In $1Bn Cleanup Funds

Ogoni women drawn from all works of life have come out to protest against the resumption of oil production in the area without proper negotiation.
The women expressed anger over the non-transparent nature of the entire oil resumption exercise, accusing the government of attempting to manipulate them into giving up on their demands as expressed in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR).
The women further demanded that the Nigerian government account for $300million Ogoni infrastructure development fund which is alleged to have been diverted by some key government personalities in alliance with some Ogoni leaders.
They further demanded accountability for the $1Billion Ogoni cleanup funds which they said is a failed project.
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The women, who marched on the streets of Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoni, accused the government of neglecting the core demands of the Ogoni people including the demand for the creation of a Bori State and compensation for livelihood losses due to decades of devastating oil spills in the lands.
“We lost everything, crops, drinking water sources, food and farming lands and we now live with strange illnesses which ultimately will lead to our death. No one is interested in all that. The only thing the government is interested in is our oil resources. We reject the insensitivity of the government and we want to be heard”; one of the protesters who pleaded anonymity told Ogoninews.
Another speaker, Mrs Helen Huoma said the plot to resume oil production in Ogoni is deceptive.
“The oil industry people are always lying. They will tell us something and do another. When we ask our MOSOP leaders, they tell us they know nothing about what the government and the oil industry are doing. It’s all a bunch of confusion and deceit. We will resist this move because we paid heavily to give Ogoni a name and the pride it has today”
A woman identified as Janet from Gokana Local Government Area alleged that the Nigerian government has never been interested in the welfare of the Ogoni people.
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She alleged that the government had only been interested in the oil and after that, they appeased political leaders with contracts to suppress local residents.
“All they do is deceive the Ogoni people and we continue to suffer in the midst of abundant natural resources. If they can divert $300million, then how can we trust them? Before we start, let them account for the $300 million and the cleanup program which, at least, should have solved some basic problems.”
The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to engage the NNPC Limited and work out modalities for the resumption of oil production in Ogoni. This directive followed a meeting with some Ogoni leaders in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa.
The president had also recently granted pardon to the Ogoni nine including Ken Saro-Wiwa and to four Ogoni leaders who were murdered on May 21, 1995. The Abacha regime had blamed Ken Saro-Wiwa for the murders and executed him along with 8 others on November 10, 1995 despite global outcry acknowledging their innocence.
Following the executions, a United Nations fact finding team visited Nigeria. The team acknowledged that the entire trial process was flawed and noted that Nigeria did not even follow the minimal prescription of its own laws in the conduct of the trial.
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