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IPF Urges FG to Halt Oil Drilling Plans Without Proper Negotiations and Development of the Niger Delta Swamps
By Luck Ebide
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), a prominent media organization in the Niger Delta, has called on the federal government to suspend any plans for new oil exploration in the region unless meaningful dialogue and developmental agreements are reached.
This statement follows a report by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), published in ThisDay newspaper on January 4, 2025, which highlighted the need for 123.48 million barrels of crude oil to supply Nigeria’s nine refineries in the first half of 2025. With the Dangote Refinery receiving the largest share, the report emphasized the need for more oil drilling to meet growing domestic and international demands.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the IPF expressed discontent with the lack of development in the Niger Delta, particularly in the riverine Ijaw areas, despite decades of oil exploration. “We are making it clear that the Ijaw people will no longer permit further drilling of oil wells in our territories unless the federal government addresses critical issues such as capital development and allocates a fairer share of the oil proceeds to the region,” ” our oil money cannot be paying for colossal development elsewhere while we don’t have roads to drive to our ancestral homes, schools for our people to learn, and hospitals to treat our people.” the statement read in part.
The group highlighted the plight of riverine communities, which have suffered the consequences of oil exploitation for over 50 years, including environmental degradation, lack of infrastructure, and health crises. According to the IPF, the government’s neglect has left many parts of the region in darkness and poverty, with no single federal projects implemented since Nigeria’s independence.
The IPF emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of existing oil and gas ownership laws through a roundtable discussion that would prioritize developmental projects in the Ijaw riverine areas before any further oil exploration. “If the federal government cannot engage in such negotiations, they should look elsewhere for oil,” the statement added.
The forum also raised concerns about the future of the Niger Delta, especially Ijaws, once oil reserves are depleted. They cited Oloibiri, the site of Nigeria’s first commercial oil discovery, as a cautionary example of a community left in ruins after its resources were exhausted.
Furthermore, the IPF criticized the disparity in how natural resources are managed across Nigeria. They pointed out that mineral resources such as gold and lead in northern states like Zamfara are treated as private assets for local communities, while oil and gas from the Niger Delta remain under federal control. “If gold, iron ore, and other minerals in the North are considered indigenous resources, then oil and gas in the Niger Delta must also belong to the local people,” the statement argued.
The group called on governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations from the Niger Delta to advocate for the region’s rights and educate the federal government on the need to abandon any plans for new oil exploration in the area without a fair deal for the Ijaws. They stressed that such actions are essential to ensure long-term benefits for both the region and the country.
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SMEs Empowerment: Tompolo Foundation, Tantita & PEB ICT Granduates Lead Branding Drive in Warri
- By Delta Event Media
Aimed at boost small-scale entrepreneurship in Warri, beneficiaries of the Tompolo Foundation and Tantita Security Services—trained by PEB ICT Services—have officially launched a branding awareness campaign aimed at transforming small businesses in Warri.
This initiative follows the successful completion of a three-month intensive training in Graphic Design, where participants were equipped with essential skills in branding, visual communication, and marketing design. Culminating in a high-impact presentation, the campaign is themed: “Building Strong Brand Identity for Small Business Growth.”
The campaign emphasizes six strategic pillars for business branding success:
Defining brand purpose
Understanding the target audience
Creating a unique visual identity
Developing a consistent brand voice
Maintaining a strong digital presence
Building trust through quality and engagement
Speaking during the launch event, team spokesperson ThankGod Ugedi noted, “We are not just leaving with certificates — we are stepping out with a mission. Our group is dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs in Warri with brand identity consultations and awareness strategies that can help them grow and compete.”
The newly trained Graphic Design team extended their heartfelt appreciation to the Tompolo Foundation, Tantita Security Services, and PEB ICT Services, with special acknowledgment to Dr. Paul Bebenimibo and Major Moses for their mentorship and visionary leadership throughout the program.
This campaign marks the beginning of a youth-led movement to reignite business growth in Warri. With branding as their tool and innovation as their drive, these young creatives are positioning themselves as catalysts for economic development in the region.
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Burutu LGA Chairman Hails Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at 62, Celebrates His Visionary Leadership and Impactful Governance
By Peter Ziakegha, June 19, 2025
- Burutu _ The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon.Chief Dr. Julius Takeme, has extended warm felicitations to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday anniversary.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, Dr. Takeme described the Governor as “a beacon of visionary leadership, humility, and progressive governance whose transformational strides continue to rekindle the hope of Deltans across all strata.”
The council chairman lauded Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering commitment to the implementation of the Renewed hope of the M.O.R.E Agenda which stands for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security , which, according to him, has not only reshaped the development landscape of Delta State but has also brought hope and tangible growth to Burutu Local Government and its people.
“At 62, His Excellency stands tall as a statesman with a heart for service, whose administration has delivered impactful projects in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment,” Dr. Takeme stated. “Governor Oborevwori’s leadership has redefined governance in Delta State, bringing government closer to the grassroots and fostering inclusive development.”
The council chairman, particularly commended the Governor for his inclusive style of leadership and his listening ear, noting that the people of Burutu LGA have been key beneficiaries of the Governor’s developmental vision and people-centered policies.
“Today, as we celebrate a man of peace, purpose, and progress, we in Burutu reaffirm our unflinching support for his administration and pray for greater strength, wisdom, and divine grace as he continues to pilot the affairs of our dear state,” Dr. Takeme concluded.
The Chairman further urged Deltans to join hands in supporting the Governor’s drive for sustainable development and unity across all local governments in the state.
Governor Oborevwori, who turns 62 today, has served Delta State with distinction, rising from the grassroots to the highest office in the state, and continues to inspire hope through his pragmatic and people-focused leadership.