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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.
NDDC and Ijaw Youth Council Forge Unity to Drive Development in Niger Delta.
By Favour Bibaikefie.
The recent interaction between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) underscores the importance of collaboration and unity in driving development in the Niger Delta region.
Sir Victor Antai, representing NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, commended the IYC for its unwavering support and acknowledged the contributions of various ethnic groups toward regional progress. He highlighted the restoration of the East-West Road as a key achievement, attributing the success to Dr. Ogbuku’s proactive leadership. Antai emphasized the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders to sustain development in the region.
Freedom Atigbi, Vice President of the IYC, reaffirmed the council’s dedication to peace and development while dissociating the organization from any protest threats against the NDDC. The meeting showcased a united front between the Commission and regional leaders, signaling a strong commitment to the Niger Delta’s growth and stability.
IduwiniVoice Community
Amatu-II Community in Bayelsa Calls for Urgent Intervention as Erosion Threatens Livelihood
By Divine Perezide
Amatu-II, a coastal community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has called for government intervention as severe ocean surges have triggered life-threatening erosion, threatening to wipe out the community entirely.
Dcn. David Ebomowei Peter, the Chairman of Amatu-II, has issued an appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and prominent Ijaw leaders, asking for immediate aid and shoreline protection project to address the worsening crisis.
Located along the Atlantic coastline at the mouth of the Dodo River, Amatu-II is an oil-producing community with zero federal and state government presence. The community relies heavily on the Shell Petroleum Development Company for basic amenities, provided through the now-defunct GMOU community development initiative. However, these efforts have been minimal, and essential infrastructure remains severely unavailable.
The impact of the erosion has left residents of Amatu-II fearful for the future of their homeland, with many expressing concerns that without timely intervention, their motherland could soon disappear from the Nigerian landscape.
However, the Chairman, David said his line +2348057286633 is open for any communication directed towards ameliorating the very desperate plight of his people.
IduwiniVoice Community
HOSTCOM: Ikiere Calls for the Development of Ijaw Areas as He Gets Re-elected as Chairman.
HOSTCOM: Ikiere Calls for the Development of Ijaw Areas as He Gets Re-elected as Chairman.
By Divine Perezide
The Delta Ijaw Ethnic Chapter of the HOSTCOM holding inauguration ceremony for her newly Elected Executive Officers, today, September 30, 2024, in Effurun, Warri.
Amongst those sworn-in include Com. Kingsley Ikiere, Chairman; Irou Patrick, Vice Chairman; Ozugbo Karus Godwin, Secretary; Com. Kingsley Forcados, Assist. Sec.; Dcn. Igetei Bob Wellington, P.R.O.; Mrs. Ekpekurede Helen, Treasurer; Mrs. Aleye Roseline, Women Leader; Elder Evan. Lawrence A. Okrika, Auditor; Mrs. Fine Yangaboy, Assist. Women Leader; Prince Okrikpa, Youth Leader; Princess Beauty Perekeme, Adviser.
In his acceptance speech, Com. Kingsley Ikiere who was re-elected for the second time thanked Ijaw nation for their sustained trust in him, as only such a high level of faith in his capabilities that has made Ijaws retain his executive council for the fourth tenure.
He assured that his team will do all it can to do better than ever before. He called on all Ijaw political office holders, traditional rulers, community and youth leaders to sustain their support for Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori as they continue to engage/support the government to develop Ijaw areas with the statutory 50% of the 13% deprivation funds.
While expressing unwavering faith in Gov. Oborevwori’s capabilities to deliver good governance, Mr. Ikiere encouraged His Excellency, to also complete pending capital projects across the Riverine Areas of of Delta State, insisting that all-season road access from Warri to the Atlantic shores of Escravos, Forcados, and Ramos rivers is a panacea for opening up the ijaw areas to more investors and jacking up the state internally generated revenue. Special reference was made to the long awaited Ayakoromor bridge, Odimodi-Ogulagha Road, etcetera.
IduwiniVoice joins thousands of well-wishers across Ijaw nation to congratulate the new executive council led by Ikiere.