News
Delta Ijaw Leadership Pays Courtesy Visit to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori
By Divine Perezide
The leadership of the Delta State Ijaw Ethnic Nationality paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, at the Government House in Asaba on October 30, 2023. The delegation expressed their appreciation and pledged ongoing support for the Governor’s administration.
Led by Elder Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo, a respected leader of the Ijaw Elders Forum and former Minister of Police Affairs, the group, which included several high-profile government officials and stakeholders, praised the Governor for his commitment to the Ijaw community. Elder Bozimo highlighted the numerous appointments, developmental, and infrastructural projects that have been dedicated to the Ijaw people since Governor Oborevwori assumed office on May 29, 2023.
The elder statesman also expressed gratitude for the Governor’s initiative to bring the German construction company, Julius Berger, to Delta State. Julius Berger is currently working on major infrastructure projects, including flyover bridges and dual carriageways in the Warri-Effurun area and other development projects across the state.
Bozimo stated, “The Ukodo has happened,” commending the Governor’s swift progress and expressing confidence that he will continue to do more for the Ijaw people. Bozimo and his delegation presented a list of specific project requests for the Governor’s consideration and advocated for additional appointments for Ijaw individuals, likening the request to “Oliver Twist asking for more.”
In his response, Governor Oborevwori first extended his condolences to Elder Bozimo for the recent loss of his daughter, aged 61, and offered prayers for strength for the family. He thanked the Ijaw people and the Delta South Senatorial District for their unwavering support for the PDP since 1999, noting that the party has consistently won governorship elections in the district.
The Governor commended the Ijaw nation’s political unity, applauding Elder Bozimo’s leadership and calling it exemplary. He also promised to review the presented list of projects and consider the Ijaw people’s requests. Emphasizing the importance of unity, the Governor urged other ethnic groups to learn from the solidarity demonstrated by the Ijaw people.
According to Engr. Akpi Michael Asiayei, Special Assistant Political to the Governor, the delegation included prominent figures from the Ijaw community, such as Rt. Hon. Emomotimi D. Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief J.T. Government, and Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, among others.
This visit signifies continued cooperation and mutual commitment between the Ijaw nation and Governor Oborevwori’s administration, as both work toward sustainable development in Delta State.
Attendees included: Elder Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo – Leader, Delta Ijaw Elders Forum; Rt. Hon. Momotimi D. Guwor – Speaker, DTHA; Wing Comd. P. Y. Biakpara (Retired); Chief J.T. Government; Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; Chief Emman Amgbaduba JP; Hon. (Engr.) Preyor K. Oboro; Hon. (Engr.) Emmanuel Sinebe; Hon. Chief Peres Oloye; and Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele
Others included Hon. Kelly Pinawou; Barr. Funyei Manager; Chief Ebikeme Clark; Barr. ThankGod Tarakiriowei; Mr. Reginald Bayoko; Barr. Mrs. Lyna Aliyah Ocholor Esq.; Hon. Asupa Forteta; Chief Frank Omare; Chief Sylvester Oromoni; Hon. Isaac Aguana; Chief Mrs. Georgina Evah; Mrs. Eunice Angozi; Mrs. Bekes Powe; Chief Boro Opudu; Sir (Engr.)Jude Sinebe; Bishop Sunny Jero; and Hon. Smart Asekutu.
Also in attendance was Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana; Elder Progress Dimaro; Chief Vero Tangbowei; Chief Godbless Omonighan; Hon. Amafini Akemotubo; Godwin Edumogren; Paul Kurugbe; Amb. Dr. Shadrack Agediga; Simeon Deregha; Pst. Arex Akemotubo; Godbless Keneke; Mrs. Eunice Tailor; Chief Mrs. Stella Agidi; Chief ThankGod Seibi; Barr. Newworld Safugha; Engr. Michael Akpi; David Bozimo; Bekeakpobo Fedekefe; and Hon. Adidi Preboye.
The courtesy call underscores the Ijaw nation’s dedication to promoting growth and unity within Delta State.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.
News
Burutu LGA Chairman, Commissioner for Housing Inspect Burial Venue of Late Chief Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo
By Peter Ziakegha, May 10, 2025
Kiagbodo, Burutu_The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Kiagbodo.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.
Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of the central planning committee. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.
Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.