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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.
IduwiniVoice Community
IPF Expands Leadership Base with Capt. Braboke’s Induction into College of Patrons
By Favour Bibaikefie
The (IPF) has strengthened its institutional network with the induction of respected Maritime Don, Capt. Letthemsay Braboke Inaibagha, as a patron, in a move aimed at deepening mentorship and strategic guidance within the body.
The induction took place during a high-level visit by IPF executives to Inaibagha’s residence in Ogulagha, headquarters of the Ogulagha Kingdom, where discussions centred on leadership, media responsibility, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
Led by IPF President, Ozobo Austin, the delegation said the decision to bring Inaibagha into the forum’s patron cadre was driven by the need to institutionalise experience and reinforce value-driven leadership within the Ijaw media space.
According to the forum, the new patron’s track record in enterprise, youth engagement, and community development aligns with IPF’s broader objective of shaping a responsible and impact-oriented media culture.
Ozobo noted that the induction was not merely honorary but strategic, emphasizing that individuals with proven records of mentorship and community service are critical to guiding the next generation of media professionals in the region.
He said, “We are deliberate about building a structure that allows younger professionals to tap into tested experience. His contributions over the years make him a natural fit for this role.”
The IPF leadership also acknowledged Inaibagha’s longstanding, though largely private, interventions across communities, describing his influence as one that has quietly driven positive change, particularly among youths.
Responding, Inaibagha accepted the role with a call for responsible journalism and constructive engagement in advancing the Niger Delta cause. He urged practitioners to prioritise intellect and peaceful advocacy in addressing regional challenges.
“IPF should always maintain a peaceful, yet firm disposition. Your appearance may be calm, but your pen can achieve great things,” he advised.
Observers note that the induction signals IPF’s evolving focus on consolidating leadership capacity and expanding its network of seasoned patrons, as the forum continues to position itself as a key voice in shaping narratives around development, governance, and resource equity in the Niger Delta and for the Ijaw people.
IduwiniVoice Community
Oporoza Agog as Gbaramatu Kingdom Flags Off 2026 Amaseikumor Festival with Cultural Grandeur
By Favour Bibaikefie
The people of ancient Amaseikumor. Festival has officially commenced in Gbaramatu Kingdom, ushering in a week-long celebration of spirituality, culture, and communal unity.
The annual festival, which spans seven days, is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ijaw people. “Amaseikumor,” translated as “no evil should befall the community,” reflects the central theme of divine protection, thanksgiving, and ancestral reverence.
Activities for Day One, known as Ibolomoboere Day, were successfully held yesterday, drawing indigenes, cultural enthusiasts and tourists, and visitors from across the Niger Delta. The opening ceremonies featured traditional rites, prayers, and symbolic performances aimed at honouring ancestors and expressing gratitude to deities for bountiful harvests and communal peace.
The festival also serves as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Gbaramatu Kingdom, with displays of traditional music, dances, and age-long customs passed down through generations.
Organisers have indicated that more spiritually significant and culturally vibrant events are still ahead. Among the highlights are the anticipated Gbaraun-Egbesu Day, dedicated to the revered Egbesu deity, and the grand finale, which will feature the colourful Amaseikumor masquerade exhibition—often regarded as the climax of the festival.
Leaders of the Community noted that beyond its cultural significance, the festival reinforces unity, promotes peace, and strengthens identity among the people, while also attracting tourism and fostering cultural appreciation.
As festivities continue, expectations remain high for a successful celebration that will further project Gbaramatu Kingdom as a custodian of enduring cultural values in the Niger Delta.
By: Derick Peretengboro
The Odimodi Youth body has formally witnessed a change in leadership following the handover by the outgoing President, Comrade Laide Cyril Laide, to the newly elected President, Comrade Austin Benikurukuru.
Laide, who assumed office in January 2023 after taking over from Tarede Ebiarede, completed a two-year tenure marked by active youth engagement and organizational stewardship. The transition took place during the final Odimodi Youth Congress presided over by the outgoing Executive Council.
The congress was held on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, at Eluwe House, Odimodi, where formal documents and responsibilities were handed over to the new leadership team.
The congress was held on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, at Eluwe House, Odimodi, where formal documents and responsibilities were handed over to the new leadership team.
Sources close to the incoming President disclosed that an enlarged inauguration ceremony for the new Executive Council has been scheduled for January 10, 2026. The event is expected to bring together community leaders, youth stakeholders, and invited guests to formally usher in the new administration.
The peaceful handover has been widely described by observers as a positive signal of unity, democratic maturity, and continuity within the Odimodi youth structure.