Advert
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.
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.”