By Tosan Blessing

Long before the conspiracy of evil men led EFCC to declare Tompolo wanted over a case the EFCC could not directly pursue, a case where the facts in issue revolves around the ownership of the land upon which the Nigerian Maritime University was built for which the federal Executive council paid a paltry 13 billion out of a projected 26billion being a buy over of Mieka Diving institute, propety of Tompolo, which property became part of the charter facility of the Nigerian Maritime University, Tompolo and some itsekiri elements were the ones the pipeline security contract was given. Soon after in the unwarranted and cynical rage of the then Hon Minister of Transportation, the contract was pulled off Tompolo and given to one of the APC ilks known for circumvention and volte face characteristics. Once this company this guy represents took over it became business as usual. Even the companys MD/CEO visited Tompolo and said he was going to offer him 900m as part of his commitment to rein in him into what they were doing in the oil river but known for being averse to greed, Tompolo refused, telling that company’s MD/CEO to go ahead with his job, that they are brothers. No one raised the issue of the scope of works given to that company then. Under the watch of that company over 80 percent of oil revenue went into private pockets. At this time the nations foreign reserves began to deplete. The sub national governments began to live by Paris loans refund. No Nigerian or CIvil societies organisations questioned the activities of that interlocutor survellance company. It took Mr Bashir Jamoh a then DG of NIMASA, even in the seeding congruence of losing his job to allege that the new company engaged in pipeline protection for NNPC and by extension ancillary revenue sourcing for NIMASA had not been able to meet its projected revenue ceiling. He insisted that a previous Messrs Global West run by Tompolo and others, evilly removed from the job by the conspiracy of evil power brokers in government then was doing better and collecting thrice as much to breaking its given fiscal ceiling. The NNPC board ruffled by the alarm coming from a government agency announced it was taking its part of the job of pipeline surveillance from that company. It was at this instance given the energy emergency, that Tantita came on a national rescue and in quick raids it conducted even against the open aversion for its operation by some elements of the military, the nation is beginning to see the results- illegal pipelines here and there have been toppled, arrest and decommissioning of bunkering vessels, sacking of kpofire artesanal activities, and other evil grandstanders running kiti kiti kata kata. Now that oil revenue has peaked the evil profiteers have re emerged and in the name of legal actions are asking for an order mandamus for Tantita to produce the scope of its assignment. I argue that Tantita has no business with any third party intruder on the job it got freehold from the NNPCL that was publicly quoted and bidded for. Any one asking for such spurious order should approach the NNPCL. I further argue that if God cannot manage his own people in Egypt but ensured all of them died in a difficult journey through the wilderness, the presidency needs to go after these evil men who ensured this countrys export output had remained at a perilous margin with concomitant effect on the country’s GDP and growth economics to clear their doubts of their evil demeanours everywhere and their accomplices. I think if the government can summon the will to do this it will checkmate this errant attitude of criminals who still want to ensure that the Nigerian State remain rentier.

The 57th Boro Day 2025 Central Zone Planning Committee has officially rolled out the schedule of events for this year’s celebration. The announcement was made by the chairman of the planning committee, Evangelist Parkins Ogede, following the committee’s maiden meeting held in Yenagoa, on Sunday 30th Match 2025.

According to the chairman, this year’s Boro Day Central Zone celebrations will serve as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Ijaw people. He emphasized that the events are in line with the Central Zone’s theme: “Our Heritage, Our Pride- Boro Lives on”

Scheduled Events

Day 1: Tuesday, 13th May 2025 – Boat Regatta & Wrestling

• BOAT REGATTA COMPETITION
• Participants: The 8 LGAs in the Central Zone & Abua-Odual
• Time: 10 AM
• Venue: Ox-Bow Lake, Yenagoa, BYS
• Prizes: Cash rewards for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
• WRESTLING MATCH
• Featuring two top wrestlers from Ijaw Nation and their supporters
• Time: 5 PM
• Venue: Kaiama Town

Day 2: Wednesday, 14th May 2025 – CULTURAL DISPLAY INTER LGA COMPETITION

• Participants: The 8 LGAs in the Central Zone & Abua-Odual
• Time: 11 AM
• Venue: Cultural Centre, Yenagoa, BYS
• Prizes: Cash rewards for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners

Day 3: Thursday, 15th May 2025 – BORO MEMORIAL LECTURE, DINNER AND AWARD NIGHT.

• Venue: Golden Tulip Hotel, Onopa, Yenagoa
• Time: 2 PM
MEMORIAL FOOTBALL MATCH: IYC National Executivies/Central Zone Vs Clans in Central Zone
Time: 8am

Day 4: Friday, 16th May 2025 – BORO DAY PROCESSION PROPER

The Central Zone Planning Committee urges all participants and attendees to prepare for an exciting and memorable Boro Day 2025.

By Divine Perezide

As preparations intensify for the much-anticipated 2025 Amaseikumor Festival, the spotlight once again shines on Oporoza, the cultural heartbeat of Gbaramatu Kingdom. Taking place from April 19 to April 25, 2025, this festival is not just a celebration but a reaffirmation of the Ijaw people’s rich history, traditions, and collective identity.

For generations, the Amaseikumor Festival has been a cornerstone of Ijaw heritage, drawing thousands of attendees from the Niger Delta region and beyond. It serves as a moment for spiritual renewal, communal unity, and the preservation of ancestral customs. The festival showcases a variety of traditional rites, vibrant processions, music, dance, and storytelling, allowing participants to connect with both their past and their aspirations for the future.

In an era where globalization and modern influences challenge indigenous customs, festivals like Amaseikumor play a vital role in safeguarding cultural heritage. They remind us that culture is the foundation of identity, and its disappearance would mean a loss of historical and societal values. The festival also acts as a call to the younger generation, urging them to embrace and sustain the wisdom, traditions, and values passed down through the ages.

Beyond its cultural and spiritual significance, the festival is also an economic driver for the Gbaramatu Kingdom. The influx of visitors stimulates local businesses, boosts the activities of artisans and traders, and highlights the broader role of cultural festivals in fostering regional development.

As the 2025 edition of the Amaseikumor Festival draws closer, all Ijaw sons and daughters, along with enthusiasts of African culture, are encouraged to take part in this historic occasion. For those unable to attend in person, Arogbo-Ibe Voice will provide extensive coverage to ensure that audiences worldwide can experience the vibrancy of this cultural celebration.

More than just an annual event, the Amaseikumor Festival represents a movement, a legacy, and a testament to the resilience and pride of the Ijaw people. This is a moment to unite, cherish traditions, and celebrate a heritage that continues to thrive against all odds.