News
Ijaw Publishers’ Forum Pledges Renewed Advocacy for Niger Delta Justice and Progress in New Year
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has ushered in the new year with a heartfelt message of gratitude and hope, reflecting on the challenges faced by the Niger Delta region and the resilience of its people. In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum acknowledged the tireless advocacy for environmental, economic, and political justice while pledging to continue using its platform to amplify the voices of the marginalized and promote meaningful social change.
Read full statement:
“A New Year’s Message from the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum, IPF
“As we bid farewell to the outgoing year and usher in a new one, the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum takes a moment to reflect on the journey so far and express our deepest appreciation to the strong voices of the Niger Delta who have consistently advocated for environmental, economic and political justice.
“Your tireless efforts to bring attention to the plight of our people, who have suffered greatly due to environmental degradation, exploitation and neglect, have not gone unnoticed. We salute your courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
“As we celebrate the dawn of a new year, our thoughts are also with the underprivileged children of the Niger Delta, who have been forced to bear the brunt of economic hardship and suffering. May this new year bring them hope, comfort, and a brighter future.
“We also take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the few political appointees and elective office holders who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to delivering on their electioneering promises. Your efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of our people are recognized and appreciated.
“As publishers, we recognize the power of the media in shaping public discourse and promoting social change. We pledge to continue using our platforms to amplify the voices of the marginalized, hold those in power accountable, and promote a narrative of hope and resilience.
“As we embark on this new year, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to our mission. We wish our readers, partners, and stakeholders a happy and prosperous new year, and we look forward to continuing to serve as a voice for the voiceless.
“Happy New Year from the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum!”
Signed
Comrade Ozobo Austin
National president.
News
Great Loss As Family Announces The Painful Passing Iduwini-borne Billionaire Prince, Presley Gere Iyalahga
By: Miracle Palakia
Odimodi, Delta State – The Iyalahga and Diepregha families, Odimodi, Aghoro, and the entire Iduwini Kingdom in Delta and Bayelsa States, breaks silence on the painful loss of their son, Prince Presley Isele Gere Iyalahga, Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Preslyn Group of Companies, who passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the age of 48.
Prince Presley was an illustrious son of two distinguished families: His Royal Majesty Gere J. Iyalagha, (Igbedikuru-II), the late Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and the late Regent of Iduwini Kingdom (Delta & Bayelsa States), High Chief Diepregha Akpotelemor of Gberigberi-Idumu Quarters, Aghoro-I Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former President of the Iduwini National Youth Council for Peace and Development was a respected businessman and community leader, who’s untimely demise has thrown his family, friends, associates, community, and Kingdom into deep shock and sorrow. He’s survived by his beloved wife, Princess Preye Presley Iyalagha, and six children.
The families made known the development to newsmen on Saturday, August 16th, in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Oroupade Oweibe and George Diepregha for the families and his son, Prince Peremobowei Presley Iyalagha, for the children.
According to the statement, funeral rites will take place on Friday, August 29th, 2025. At 10 a.m., the body will depart Warri via Millar Jetty to his compound in Odimodi for a brief Funeral Service, lying in state, interment.
IduwiniVoice can report that Prince Presley Iyalagha’s passing marks not only the loss of a vibrant Royal entrepreneur but that of a leader in Iduwini Kingdom and Ijaw nation. His memory remains deeply cherished by the lives he touched and all who knew him.
By: Divine Perezide
Congratulatory messages continue to pour in as Warri-borne business tycoon, and Delta Ijaw APC leader, Madam Beauty Warezuwowei makes the list of members recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the reconstituted Governing Council and Board of Trustees of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP). Reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to tackling environmental degradation in oil-producing regions, the newly appointed board members include representatives from the Niger Delta, Ogoni Communities, NGOs, and oil-producing states, with the Minister of Environment serving as Chairman of the council.
Read the statement announcing the appointment below:
“STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
“PRESIDENT TINUBU ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR HYREP
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYREP), with the Minister of Environment serving as Chairman of the Council.
“The other members are Loanyie Barituka Victor, who represents the Non-governmental Organisations focused on the environment, Bright Onyebuchi Jacob, and Henry Obiabure, who represent the Niger Delta communities.
“Professor Barinedum Michael Nwibere and Barrister Baride Abdul Gwezia are the representatives of the Ogoni Community on the new Council.
“The nine oil-producing states have two representatives on the Council: Gideon Onyebuwa Melfor and Dr Ibikunle Omotehinse.
“There are four alternative members of the Council, representing Ogoniland and the Niger Delta: Rev. Canon Dr Abraham Olungwe, who was reappointed and Engr. Maeba Power Ekpobari are the alternate members of the Council representing Ogoniland. Joseph Akedesuo and Beauty Warejuowei represent the Niger Delta.
“President Tinubu also reconstituted the HYREP Board of Trustees, with Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah reappointed chairman.
“Fred Mbombo Igwe and Dr. Fred Barivule Kpakol will represent Ogoni communities and stakeholders on the board. Mrs Dorcas Amos represents the other Niger Delta communities, while Chief Jide Damazio, who was reappointed, represents the NGOs dealing with environmental issues.
“Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
“August 11, 2025”
The appointment of Warejuwowei into the board of the HYREP, an office marking the renewed poise at restoring the badly polluted environments in the Niger Delta and advancin Ogoniland’s remediation efforts, has been applauded by people from across the region, adding that she will surely deliver meaningful contributions towards the successes of the agency and the federal government.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
Commendations pour in from across Africa as renowned Delta State-born peace and development advocate, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, has succefully defended his researh for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Relations at the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.
A United Nations Peace Ambassador, environmentalist, human rights activist, sports enthusiast, entrepreneur, educational promoter, and social leader, Dr. Mulade is the National Coordinator of the foremost civil rights organisation, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), also known as the Africa 4 Peace Centre.
This remarkable academic feat once again demonstrates his unwavering zeal for intellectual excellence, further cementing his reputation as a visionary leader committed to peace, justice, and development, through the instrumentality of the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge.
As he takes this leap from local, state, and national engagements to a more pronounced presence on the international stage, Nigerians can look forward to the far-reaching impact of his knowledge, which promises to translate into global opportunities for the nation and beyond.