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Ijaw Media Professioners Tasks Delta Govt to Disclose Capital Projects Allocated to Ijaw Area in the N979B 2025 Budget
By Divine Perezide
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), the top media council representing Ijaw interest globally, has criticized recent claims by Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, the Director General of Orientation and Communication in Delta State, regarding budget allocations for Ijaw riverine communities. Speaking on a Lagos-based radio program, Latimore had asserted that the state’s N979 billion 2025 budget includes major infrastructural projects for Ijaw communities and highlighted efforts by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration to empower over 250,000 entrepreneurs through various programs.
Latimore stated that the approved budget featured “improved and renewed rural and riverine mega roads alongside other infrastructure projects aimed at boosting intra and inter-trade opportunities.”
However, the IPF, through a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, challenged the Delta government to substantiate these claims. The group accused the administration of neglecting the oil-rich Ijaw riverine areas and described the government’s approach as deceitful and based on propaganda. According to Austin, a responsible administration would prioritize the welfare of its citizens rather than making empty promises.
“The government operates on lies and propaganda,” the statement read. “A responsible leadership would feel the pains of its people rather than worsen their plight with non-existent, ‘audio’ projects.”
The IPF particularly pointed to the long-delayed Ayakoromo Bridge project as an example of such empty promises. The group argued that the bridge has been consistently featured in budgetary allocations without any significant progress.
During the same radio program, Latimore had also noted that the state government had empowered over 250,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through the Delta-CARES initiative under the Ministry of Women Affairs and the State Bureau for Wealth and Job Creation. However, the IPF dismissed these claims as fraudulent, insisting that no Ijaw communities or media enterprises were aware of any such opportunities.
The statement continued, “We challenge the Director General to publish the specific projects allocated to Ijaw communities, along with the names and locations of businesses or individuals who benefited from these empowerment programs.”
The IPF further accused Latimore of engaging in political propaganda to bolster the image of the administration at the expense of genuine development in Ijaw communities.
“We won’t tolerate such media charades anymore,” the group emphasized. “These so-called projects are nothing more than beautifully crafted stories by media strategists like Dr. Fred Latimore, who are skilled in propaganda but fail to deliver tangible results for Ijaw development.”
The statement also expressed disappointment over the lack of meaningful progress in Ijaw areas during previous administrations led by Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
The IPF concluded by urging Governor Oborevwori to provide a detailed breakdown of projects earmarked for Ijaw communities in the 2025 budget. “We want the government to publish a comprehensive list of projects allocated to Delta Ijaw communities, along with the corresponding funds set aside for each. Additionally, we demand transparency regarding the Ayakoromo Bridge project and the names of Ijaw beneficiaries of the D-CARES program,” the statement added.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to holding the state government accountable to ensure equitable development across all communities, particularly the marginalized Ijaw riverine areas.
By Derick Peretengboro
A community leader and businessman, Comrade Solomon Gbegha, has extended warm birthday wishes to a celebrated personality and seasoned political figure, and mentor, Rt. Hon. Franc Pinapinawei Enekorogha, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and former Honourable Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Abuja, on the occasion of his gracious birth anniversary.
In a congratulatory message made available to IduwiniVoicenewsdesk, Comr. Gbegha joined family members, friends, and admirers of the celebrant to mark the special day with prayers and goodwill.
According to the statement, “On behalf of my family and associates, I, Comr. Solomon Gbegha, hereby join family, friends, and thousands of your admirers to congratulate you on your gracious birth anniversary.
May God Almighty continue to bless you with sound health, long life, and prosperity.
Happy Birthday.”
The message reflects the deep appreciation and goodwill of Comr. Gbegha and his associates towards the celebrant, who have produced many political and social giants across Delta State, while wishing him continued divine blessings, good health and enduring success.
By Divine Perezide
The Information Officer of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, Comrade Tare Magbei, has announced plans to organise a two-day digital capacity-building programme targeted at young people across the zone.
The training, titled Media Management, Content Creation and AI Prompting Bootcamp, is scheduled to take place from February 13 to 14, 2026, and is aimed at building practical skills in media, digital communication and emerging technologies for Ijaw youths.
According to the organisers, the bootcamp will focus on strengthening young people’s ability to engage in advocacy, storytelling and community mobilisation through modern media tools.
About 50 participants are expected to benefit from the hands-on sessions, which will also introduce them to viable income-generating opportunities within the media and creative industries.
Beneficiaries will be selected from among Information Officers of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in the Western Zone, alongside youths drawn from the 24 clans that constitute the zone.
The initiative, being driven by Comrade Magbei, is described as a strategic effort to enhance youth capacity, promote digital relevance and encourage the effective use of technology in today’s rapidly evolving media environment. It is also seen as a timely intervention to improve employability and strengthen advocacy among Ijaw youths across the Western Zone.
By Derick Peretengboro
The Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Tantita Security Services Limited, Hon. Akpos Seimode, has congratulated the Deputy Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited and Chairman of Maton Engineering Limited, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, on the occasion of his 50th birthday anniversary.
In a goodwill message released to mark the celebration, Hon. Akpos hailed the business executive, stating: “HAPPY GOLDEN JUBILEE BIRTHDAY, BOSS!”
According to the statement, “The Community Liaison Officer, CLO Tantita, Hon. Akpos Seimode, hails deputy chairman Tantita Security Service Limited, cum chairman Maton engineering LTD, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha on his 50th birthday anniversary.”
Describing the celebrant’s personality and impact, Hon. Akpos said, “Matthew Tonlagha is a humble and distinguished son of the Izon Nation,” while praising his “visionary leadership and philanthropic contributions to society.”
He further noted that the celebrant’s leadership approach remains a source of encouragement to many communities, stressing that “his leadership style continues to inspire hope and unity across communities,” and describing him as “a bridge-builder who leads with humility.”
Hon. Akpos also offered prayers and best wishes to the celebrant, saying he wished him “good health, joy, and continued grace as he celebrates the Golden Jubilee.”
He concluded the message with the words: “Happy birthday once again, boss.”