IduwiniVoice Social
Amaseikumo Festival Draws High-profile Dignitaries and Traditional Rulers to Oporoza, Delta State.
By Admin,
The vibrant community of Oporoza in Delta State experienced a remarkable gathering during the grand finale of the Amaseikumo 2024 annual festival. Distinguished guests from various sectors, including traditional rulers, government officials, industry leaders, and cultural enthusiasts, converged to celebrate this renowned festival, which showcased a rich tapestry of African culture.
The festivities, which commenced on April 12th, featured a diverse range of cultural activities such as football, boat regatta, Ijaw cultural dance competitions, wrestling, and live music performances. The highlight of the event was the grand civic reception and traditional rites led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, the revered Egbesu Chief Priest of the Niger Delta.
Notable figures in attendance included His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, alongside Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Senator Joel Onowakpor, and Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi, among others.
The festival also received support from organizations such as the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation (EMTF), which provided free medical checks and treatment to over 1,000 individuals throughout the event. Media personalities and the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) also lent their presence to the occasion, emphasizing its significance within the Ijaw community and beyond.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu kingdom, expressed gratitude to all attendees and emphasized the festival’s role in promoting love, peace, and unity. He highlighted the festival’s enduring legacy as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most cherished cultural events, contributing to the region’s cultural and tourism development.
Furthermore, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) received accolades for their efforts in maintaining a clean and safe environment during the festival. Chief Engr Kestin Pondi, the MD of Tantita Security Services Limited, credited the success to the leadership and support of High Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in preserving the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Overall, the Amaseikumo festival of 2024 served as a vibrant celebration of Ijaw culture and tradition, uniting communities and fostering a spirit of harmony and pride among all participants.
By: Divine Perezide
The forthcoming Ijaw Media Conference 2025 received a strong boost with the nod of the Bolowei of Niger Delta, High Chief Tunde Smooth, last Tuesday, to serve as Father of the Day at the high-powered media dialogue.
IduwiniVoice can report that this is the second edition in the annual event organised by the appex Ijaw Flagship Publishers Organisation, Ijaw Publishers Forum is christined “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.”
Speaking during the fruitful meeting with the great Niger Delta leader, the Chairman of the Central Working Committee, Pastor Akemotubo explained that the theme of this year’s edition hints at a call to action over the growing concern regarding the pressure exerted on the region’s land and water resources.
He stated that the forum aims to deepen public discourse, encourage fair and responsible reporting, and call on regional leaders to preserve the region’s heritage.
He observed that High Chief Smooth’s longstanding contribution to cultural advancement and his steady involvement in regional affairs made him well suited for the honour.
Chief Smooth happed on the need for cooperation among community groups, professional bodies and traditional institutions.
He praised the Forum for its efforts to use media as a veritable tool for protecting the interests of the larger Niger Delta and Ijaw nation in particular, assuring them of his total support towards the conference.
He used the medium to appealed to other stakeholders across not just the Ijaw nation but across the Niger Delta to join in initiatives that safeguard the environment and strengthen the region’s future.
IduwiniVoice Social
EREKEDOUMENE JONATHAN YANGABOY BAGS THE REVERED IBEKOREWEI TITLE AT THE GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM’S 2025 BINIKAMAI FESTIVAL
By: Derick Tama
Amatu-1, Grand Iduwini Kingdom, Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State – November 23, 2025. The very Ancient Grand Iduwini Kingdom of the Tobokirigha people, witnessed a historic and colourful moment during the 2025 BINIKAMAI FESTIVAL as Yangaboy Erekedoumene Jonathan was formerly conferred with a Cabinet Chieftaincy title, the revered “IBEKOREWEI OF GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM” by His Imperial Majesty, Pere Joel Ekeni Ibani JP, Ogiobo-IX, (Ogonogbolo-Kirigbolo, Bolou Igbe-Tu Igbe, Gbarara-Gbururu, Opogolo-Opogolo Keme, the Paramount Ruler and Spiritual Custodian of the Tobokirigha stool), the revered Pere of Grand Iduwini Kingdom. The festival, held from Monday 17th to Saturday 22nd of November 2025 in Amatu-1 – the ancestral and spiritual root of the (Tobokirigha people) very Ancient Grand Iduwini Kingdom – drew traditional leaders, chiefs, community leaders, and other dignitaries from across Ijaw land.
The Pere admonished Erekedoumene who’s father, the late Amadiwei of Odimodi Community, His Highness, High Chief Yangaboy Okubonananabokefie Angalabiri was the last person to hold the exalted title that, the Ibekorewei title symbolises the unifyer, cultural Preserver, and spiritual steward of Iduwini people, which carries very deep cultural, political, and spiritual responsibilities. He noted that it entrusts him with the sacred duty of safeguarding the heritage, values, unity, and collective wellbeing of all Iduwini people (who were initially known as Tobokirigha people at the beginning of time), for generations to come.
Expressing profound gratitude, High Chief Erekedoumene Jonathan Yangaboy extended appreciations to His Imperial Majesty, Ogiobo-IX, the Pere and Finite ruler of Grand Iduwini Kingdom; the Grand Iduwini Chiefs in Council; and the entire citizenry of the kingdom for the honour. He also acknowledged the Odimodi community; the family of his late father, His Highness, High Chief Yangaboy Okubonananabokefie Angalabiri; the Gbolobonoghan family of Ayakoromor; and High Chief Simion Elex Pukon, the Bebefiewei of the Grand Iduwini Kingdom.
Yangaboy further appreciated his wife, Mrs. Mirabel Onoride Yangaboy; Mr. Roland Isereke; Pastor Akposafagha Seimo; Comrade Seiyefa Ekpemupolo; Comrade Emmanuel Gesikeme Akpule; the Tech/Operations Department of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited; and friends and colleagues whose goodwill and support strengthened him throughout the process.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to service of the Kingdom, stating, “Thank you for standing with me. Blessed be the Grand Iduwini Kingdom.”
IduwiniVoice Social
“A Leader with the People at Heart”: INC Western Zonal Spokesman, Massah Extols Pondi on Birth Anniversary
By: Divine Perezide
Hon. Godwin Massah, the spokesman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the Rt. Hon. Dr. Julius Gbabozor Pondi (Ph.D), Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
This was communicated in his congratulatory message shared with IduwiniVoicenews desk. Hon. Massah, who was former Aide to the Delta State Governor, described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service delivery and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, our Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Massah, who served as a first generation councillor Representing Ngbilebiri-I in the Burutu Legislative House wished Pondi, would later lead the Burutu House, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.