IduwiniVoice Community
DESOPADEC Launches Anti-Drug and Cultism Campaign, Kicks Off in Sapele
By Divine Perezide,
Sapele, May 30, 2024 — In a significant move to curb the rising issues of tobacco use, drug abuse, and cultism, the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has launched an impactful enlightenment campaign. The initiative, held today at Sapele Technical College, aligns with the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the Delta State government, emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness and community action.
Under the guidance of Chief John Nani, Chairman of DESOPADEC, and the Managing Director, Chief Festus Ochonogor, the campaign titled “Campaign Against Tobacco Use, Drug Abuse, and Cultism” aims to address these pressing societal issues through education and community involvement.
The event was hosted by Chinenye Ezonfade, Head of the Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department, with Chief Favour Izuokumor, Executive Director of Social Services, serving as the Chief Host. Their combined efforts brought together community leaders, educators, students, and local residents to discuss the dire consequences associated with these vices.
In her address, Ezonfade emphasized the severe health and social impacts of tobacco and drug abuse, highlighting how these substances can lead to brain damage, shattered futures, destitution, and premature death. She also pointed out the societal dangers posed by cultism, including increased criminal activity, gang wars, addiction, and the transformation of individuals into threats to public safety.
Chief Izuokumor underscored the importance of community involvement in combating these issues. “It is not just about awareness, but about taking collective action to safeguard our youth and secure our future,” he stated.
The campaign featured a series of presentations, interactive sessions, and testimonials from individuals who have been affected by these issues. It aimed to not only inform but also inspire community members to take a stand against these destructive behaviors.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: a unified community effort is essential in eradicating the scourge of tobacco use, drug abuse, and cultism. DESOPADEC’s initiative marks a crucial step towards creating a safer and healthier Delta State.
For more information on the campaign and how to get involved, residents are encouraged to contact the Community Development and Public Enlightenment Department of DESOPADEC.
© IduwiniVoice Newspaper.
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“BRIGHT SUNRISE INTO DARKNESS:” HON. BERRY NEGERESE MOURNS LOSS OF ELDER BROTHER, HRH IBE JONATHAN
By Favour
Bisangbene Community, Bayelsa State – July 17, 2025,
The Bisangbene Community, Iduwini Kingdom, and the entire Ijaw nation have been thrown into mourning following the passing of one of their revered traditional rulers, His Royal Highness Ibe Jonathan, Amanawei of Bisangbene Community, Iduwini Kingdom, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The sad news, which broke on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, has left many in shock, especially his younger brother very close ally, Hon. Berry Negerese, who shared an emotional tribute to the late monarch, describing the loss as a personal and irreplaceable tragedy in a statement shared on his Facebook handle and released to the press, Hon. Berry Negerese wrote:
“With a heavy heart and utmost sadness, I shared the profound grief that enveloped me yesterday July 16, 2025, when I lost my dependable ELDER brother, HRH Ibe Jonathan, Amanoawei of Bisangbene Community.”
He continued by expressing the devastating impacts of the loss:
“Your sudden departure has cast a shadow over my life, turning what should have been a bright sunrise into a darkness of grief.”
Reflecting on the bond they shared, Hon. Berry paid a deeply heartfelt tribute to the man who he said played multiple roles in his life:
“You were more than just a brother to me: you became my father figure, my steadfast ally in trying times, a confidant and my closest gist mate. No matter the storms I faced, you have stood tall by my side, offering undying and undeniable support and love.”
Struggling with the depth of grief, he further wrote:
“The pain of losing you today is deep like a mighty ocean, and it feels as though a part of me has been taken away. Death has indeed created a large vacuum in me.”
“Saying ‘rest in peace’ fewls so difficult right now, my dependable confidant, but i know your spirit will always remain with me. Thank you for everything, you’ll forever be in my heart, my greatest ally and father figure.”
The death of HRH Ibe Jonathan marks a great loss to Bisangbene Community, Iduwini Kingdom, and the entire Ijaw nation, where he was known as a voice of wisdom, peace, and leadership.
The funeral arrangements will be announced by the family and community in due course.
(c) IduwiniVoice News
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.