IduwiniVoice Community
Behold the Decline: The Abandoned Burutu Sea Port: Legacy of Colonial Ambition, Neglect of History.
Behold the Decline: The Abandoned Burutu Sea Port: Legacy of Colonial Ambition, Neglect of History.
By Prince Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie,
Burutu, Nigeria – April 3, 2024
Nestled along the winding banks of the Niger Delta, the once bustling hub of maritime activity, the Burutu Sea Port, now stands as a testament to neglect. Built in 1887 by the Royal Niger Company, it was heralded as the beacon of modernity, the first of its kind on the African continent. Today, it is a haunting echo of its former glory, overshadowed by decay and abandonment.
A Legacy of Exploitation.
History, though often painful, offers us glimpses into the past. Burutu and its neighboring port, Forcados, were pivotal players in the dark chapter of the transatlantic slave trade. The Portuguese, in their quest for wealth, constructed a slave dungeon in 1475, where countless souls were imprisoned before being shipped off to Europe and the Americas.
Over the centuries, the landscape bore witness to the ebb and flow of colonial ambitions. Structures erected by the Portuguese and later the British still stand, weathered by time and neglect, silent reminders of a tumultuous past.
The Fading Grandeur.
The once majestic edifices that adorned the Burutu Sea Port now stand as dilapidated relics, crumbling under the weight of neglect. The grandeur of colonial architecture, once a symbol of power and prosperity, now lies in ruins, a mere shadow of its former self.
While the remnants of history are still visible, they are fast succumbing to the ravages of time and the apathy of governance. Despite calls for preservation and restoration, the government has turned a blind eye to the fading heritage of Burutu, allowing neglect to gnaw away at its historical significance.
A Call to Action.
As we stand at the precipice of time, it is imperative that we heed the lessons of history. The Burutu Sea Port, with its rich tapestry of narratives, deserves better than to be relegated to the annals of neglect. It is a symbol of resilience, a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The time has come for action. We must rally together to preserve the heritage of Burutu, to honor the memories of those who came before us, and to ensure that future generations inherit a legacy worth cherishing. Let us not allow the echoes of the past to fade into obscurity, but rather let them serve as beacons of hope, guiding us towards a future of unity and understanding.
In the heart of the Niger Delta, amidst the decay and neglect, there lies a spark of possibility. Let us fan the flames of renewal and breathe life into the forgotten relics of Burutu, for in doing so, we honor not only our past but also our collective humanity.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has intensified preparations for the end-of-year period with a strategic review session held on Min Warri, Delta State, aimed at strengthening security vigilance across the Niger Delta.
The session, presided over by the company’s GM Operations, High Chief Tare Godfrey Pondi, drew the participation of corridor heads, field supervisors, subcontracting partners, and officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). The gathering focused on tightening coordination mechanisms and improving on-ground response as security demands traditionally rise during the yuletide.
Discussions centred on refining operational structures, reinforcing discipline among field teams, and ensuring that every unit remains aligned with the company’s core mandate of safeguarding national oil infrastructure.
Structures, reinforceing discipline among field teams, and ensuring that every unit remains aligned with the company’s core mandate of Safeguarding national oil infrastructure. The leadership commended the western corridor for consistently exceeding performance benchmarks while urging all units to redouble their effort in volatile zones such as Omadino, Amukpe, Elume, Ogbokodo and the Escravos axis.
Stakeholders reiterated the need for unity of purpose and strict adherence to operational standards to sustain Tantita’s group reputation as a leading security outfit within the region. The meeting also acknowledged the dedication of personnel deployed across difficult terrains and affirmed management’s commitment to improving synergy across all corridors as the festival season approaches.
IduwiniVoice Community
Jubilation As Farmer Reunites With Family After Surviving 24 Hours Alone In The Forest
By Favour Bibaikefie
Odimodi, Delta State – Relief and jubilation filled the air in Odimodi Town, Burutu Local Government Area today, as a missing farmer, Mama Kuluma Iyorakpo (Nee Bekewei), was reunited with her family after missing her way on her return trip from the farm yesterday. Mama Kuluma reportedly passed the night in the middle of nowhere in the deep Odimodi rain forest.
According to community sources, Mama Iyorakpo had gone to her farm on Tuesday morning but lost her way while attempting to return home after work. Her non-return at dusk sparked concerns and anxiety among family and neighbours who alerted the community leaders. Her overnight absence triggered the dispatch of search parties by the community hierarchy, which found her after many hours of tireless search, the morning hours of Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Mama Kuluma was visibly exhausted from endless efforts made trying to find her way, lack of proper rest, food, or water to drink.
Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the family, her son, Comrade Friday Millions Iyorakpo expressed gratitude to God for sparing his mothers life and commended the Odimodi Community for swiftly dispatching search parties who made tireless efforts to securely rescue his mother alive.
The incident has been described as a testament to God’s guiding and protective hands and the resolve of a people’s determination to save life with an enduring communal spirit.
IduwiniVoice Community
Just In: Gov. Oborevwori’s Aide, Chief Etimigba to Burry Mother on October 31
By: Divine Perezide
The remains of Chief Mrs. Leleitugha Etimigba (Nee Bibaikefie), mother of Chief Evans E. Etimigba (JP), FICMC, FABEN, the Osuopelekarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu LGA, is set to be laid to rest in Ofougbene town, come October 31, 2025.
This is according to a statement released by the family and signed by Chief Evans Egbesekumor Etimigba, JP, FCIMC, FABEN (for the Children); Hon Dennis Yinbri Bibaikefie (for the Bibaikefie family); Dcn. Okunwei Etimigba Johnbull (for the Husband Family); and Capt. Benard B. Fejofawei (for Azina-ware Quarters, Ofougbene).
“The families of Late Chief Bibaikefie Ikiere of Ikile-ware Quarters, Odimodi, and Late Apala Ekeye of Azina-ware 3 Quarters, Ofougbene-both of Iduwini Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State cordially invites you to the funeral ceremony of Late Chief Mrs. Agnes Leleitugha Etimigba (nee Bibaikefie), who died on July 30, 2025, at the age of 67.”
According to the statement, the body is billed to leave Veenel Mortuary for Ofougbene by 10am on October 31, to stopover at her husband’s house, Liomoni Quarters briefly, before moving over to her compound, Azina-3 Quarters, for another stopover. Body will Lie-in-state at Ela Primary School field, Ofougbene for funeral service, before interment by 4p.m. at her family compound, Azina-ware Quarters. An All-night Wakekeeping is scheduled to commence from 7p.m. till dawn as JKing Alfred Izon-ebi.
She’s survived by her husband, three children, seventeen grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and many relatives.
However, Chief Etimigba has called on family, friends, and well-wishers across Ijaw nation and beyond to join him and family as they pay their last respect to Late Chief Mrs. Etimigba.
May her soul rest in peace.