Press Release
PRESS STATEMENT: IT WAS NOT IJAW THAT ATTACK MILITARY PERSONNEL IN DELTA, VERIFY YOUR NEWS BEFORE PUBLISHING -IPF.
16th March, 2024
•VANGUARD SHOULD RETRACT AND APOLOGISE TO IJAW WITHIN 48 HOURS.
The attention of the Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF, has been drawn to a mischievous news making the round that it was Ijaw irate youth that attack and kill military men in Okuama community in Ughelli South local government area.
Ordinarily, we shouldn’t have responded but it has becomes necessary to refute it owing to the that fact the story is coming from the revered Vanguard Newspaper.
We wish to state unequivocally that it was not Ijaw that attack the military men in Delta state, and the Okuama community where the incident took place is an Urhobo speaking community in Ughelli South local government and not an Ijaw community, not in Bomadi Local Government Area.
This is a fact that the military on ground is aware off, but twisting facts by such respected paper is not only disappointing, but one could say Vanguard is conniving with certain characters to malign Ijaw nation.
This misplacement of fact coming from a major main-stream newspaper is highly disturbing, and such could not give good image about the newspaper.
The report which was authored by one Kingsley Omonobi in Vanguard Newspaper should be disregarded and ignored, it was a complete misplacement of fact and was intending to damage Ijaw hard earned reputation, and to make the military turn against Ijaw people for what they know nothing about.
However, we wish to reiterate that Ijaw in Delta state and Nigeria do not have any fight with the Nigerian military and never any time resorted to killing of Nigerian military for doing their legitimate duty.
On this note, I called on vanguard newspaper, to make retraction and apologise for the Ijaws in Delta state and Niger Nigeria at large within 24 hours for the damage the said report may have caused.
Signed
Comrade Ozobo Austin
National president Ijaw Publishers’Forum, IPF.
Mr Tare Magbei,
Secretary-General
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has called on the people of the Niger Delta to reflect on the essence of Easter and show love to one another.
In his Easter message, on Sunday, Otuaro urged stakeholders of the region- men, women, youths and all ex-agitators- to imbibe the spirit of peace, unity, and sacrifice embodied by the Lord Jesus Christ.
He noted that the Easter season was a period to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as God’s precious gift of peace to the world and reconciliation to Himself.
Otuaro urged the people of the region to use the season to deeply reflect on the virtues of the Lord and walk in them to ensure peace, stability and harmony in the Niger Delta.
He stressed that Easter called for a re-commitment to the cherished values of peace, forgiveness, kindness and service.
The PAP boss expressed the unwavering commitment of his leadership to the implementation of the programme’s mandate for sustainable peace, security, stability and development of the region.
He also enjoined stakeholders of the Niger Delta to continue to support President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s noble reforms aimed at achieving economic recovery and shared prosperity for all.
Otuaro added, “I will like to heartily greet all stakeholders of the Niger Delta on this joyous occasion of the commemoration of Easter. It is a time to reflect on its essence and the values of love, peace, forgiveness and sacrifice exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ.
“I urge all youths, ex-agitators, men, and women to imbibe the virtues embedded in Jesus Christ and the significance of His death and resurrection as God’s perfect gift for redemption and reconciliation of mankind.
“Let us love one another, promote unity and peace in the interest of the Niger Delta. I felicitate all stakeholders and wish you a Happy Easter celebration.”
Signed:
Mr Igoniko Oduma,
Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.
20/04/2025
Press Release
Press Release: IPF felicitates Tompolo at 54th, commends him for peace, security, development in N’Delta
12/04/2025
Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has extended warm congratulations to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the occasion of his 54th birth anniversary.
The apex Ijaw media council said as the chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Tompolo has made significant contributions to boost oil output and the security sector in Nigeria. The forum celebrated his achievements and impact, wishing him continued success and prosperity in the years to come.
The group said, “Under Tompolo’s leadership, Tantita Security Services has provided employment opportunities for many youths in the Niger Delta region, contributing to the reduction of youth restiveness and promoting economic growth in the country. In addition, the company has also been a key player in ensuring the safety and security of oil installations and pipelines, protecting the nation’s resources and sources of revenue”.
Furthermore, the IPF commends Tompolo for his commitment to peace and development in the Niger Delta region. He has played a vital role in the amnesty program, which has successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated thousands of ex-agitators into society.
They emphasised, “This has significantly contributed to the restoration of peace and stability in the region, making it conducive for business and investment.
Tompolo’s philanthropic efforts also deserve recognition as he has consistently given back to his society through various charitable initiatives. From building schools and hospitals to providing scholarships for students, he has positively impacted the lives of many people in the Niger Delta and beyond.
“As we celebrate Tompolo’s birthday, the IPF strongly urges him to continue his efforts in promoting peace, security, and development in the Niger Delta region. We also appeal to the government to recognize and support the contributions of individuals like Tompolo, who have played a significant role in the development of the region.
“Finally, we join in congratulating Tompolo on this milestone and pray that he continues to be a source of inspiration to many. We wish him good health, happiness, and success in all his endeavors. Happy 54th birthday, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo!”, the statement added.
Press Release
PRESS RELEASE: You Are Exceptional Leader, Beacon Of Hope To Our People, PAP Boss Celebrates Tompolo On Birthday
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has congratulated the chairman of TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, on the occasion of his 54th birthday.
Otuaro described Tompolo as a humble, selfless and exceptional leader whose entire life had been dedicated to the defence, emancipation and the development of the Ijaw land and indeed the Niger Delta region.
He noted that as a foremost freedom fighter, Tompolo’s sacrifices and contributions to the socio-economic advancement and political growth of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta region are not only monumental but tremendous and unquantifiable.
He described the Izon-Ebi Dou Keme of Ijaw nation as a philanthropist, pillar of support for community development and a beacon of hope to many youths.
He stressed that Tompolo has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the peace, progress, unity and stability of the Niger Delta.
The PAP helmsman expressed appreciation to Tompolo for his significant contributions to national development through the efficient operations of TANTITA in safeguarding strategic crude oil pipelines, resulting in unprecedented increases in oil revenues for the shared prosperity of the country.
He further noted that Tompolo, through his security firm, has empowered over 40,000 Niger Delta youths by engaging them meaningfully, while also transforming the lives of several others with scholarships for their education and other viable ventures for a better future.
Otuaro said the TANTITA boss is also an inspiration to many with his strong and unapologetic belief in Ijaw tradition and cultural heritage, noting that it has continued to strengthen his spiritual focus and wellbeing.
He encouraged him to remain steadfast in his selfless service to Ijaw land, the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole, while also upholding his convictions and philanthropic activities for the society and humanity.
Otuaro wished Tompolo well on the auspicious occasion of his birthday, and prayed to God to give him the enablement to achieve more goals and further accomplishments.
Signed:
Mr Igoniko Oduma
Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.
12/04/2025