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PANDEF Mourns the Passing of Elder Statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo
By Admin – IduwiniVoice
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a revered elder statesman, nationalist, and advocate for justice, democracy, and equality. In a heartfelt tribute, PANDEF described the late icon as a towering figure who dedicated his 96 years to the relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria.
Recognizing his pivotal role in shaping the country’s political landscape, the group lauded his unwavering commitment to unity, democratic governance, and inter-regional collaboration. PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, conveyed condolences to the Yoruba nation and Pa Adebanjo’s family, emphasizing that his legacy of courage, resilience, and advocacy will continue to inspire generations.
See details below:
“PAN-NIGER DELTA FORUM (PANDEF)
“PRESS STATEMENT
“IN PA AYO ADEBANJO, WE MOURN A GREAT TITAN OF OUR NATION
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and National Leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the entire people of the South-South geopolitical zone, we are profoundly shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a legendary icon and elder statesman who dedicated an extraordinary 96 years to activism, championing justice, equality, and freedom for the Nigerian people.
“The news of his demise has left us in deep sorrow as we struggle to come to terms with the loss of this distinguished lawyer, politician, and statesman, PANDEF recounts that he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history even predating it’s independence.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Pa Adebanjo was a steadfast advocate for democratic governance, human rights, and social justice. His relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria inspired generations to strive for excellence and demand accountability from their leaders. His contributions to the country’s struggle for independence, his role in shaping the Action Group and Afenifere, and his unwavering support for the marginalized and oppressed will forever be remembered.
“We particularly acknowledge that it is to his credit that relations between Afenifere and PANDEF flourished, fostering a spirit of truth and justice in Nigeria. This achievement highlights his dedication to unity and intra group collaboration.
“Indeed, unntil his passing, Pa Adebanjo was the co-founder and deputy chairman, alongside Chief E.K. Clark, in the Southern and Middle Belt Forum—a platform that brings together leaders from the South East, South South, South West, and North Central regions. This forum continues to play a crucial role in promoting dialogue and understanding across Nigeria’s diverse regions, including close interraction withArewa Consutative Forum and Northern EldersForum.
“PANDEF joins all other Nigerian patriots to celebrate Pa Adebanjo’s inspirational life, the last great titan of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo disciples, as a symbol of hope, resilience, and determination As he bows out today, his legacy reminds us that one person can make a significant impact and that collective action can drive transformative change in our
“Our heartfelt condolences, especially of his personal friend and partner, Chief EK Clark, goes out to the family of Pa Ayo Adebanjo and the great people of the Yoruba nation who have lost a beloved son, leader, and champion. May they find solace in the enduring legacy he leaves behind for us all.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Ambassador Godknows Igali, OON
PANDEF NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
By Divine Perezide
Ogulagha Community is set to witness a grand and memorable event as Comr. Bright Guwor and his executive team prepare for their official swearing-in ceremony o April 4th, 2025.
The highly anticipated occasion will be chaired by Dr. Julius Takekme, the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council. HRM, Elder, Capt., Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan Jp, PhD., Torububou-1, Agbonu, the Ibezenawei of Ogulagha Kingdom, will be the Royal Father of the Day. Chief Princess Caroline Ene, the Bolou-ere of Ogulagha Kingdom, will be the Mother of the Day.
Prominent dignitaries are expected to grace the ceremony as Special Guests of Honour. Amongst them are Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabujor Pondi, Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency and House Committee Chairman on Environment;Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly; High Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolouwei of Niger Delta; Hon. Peter Forteta, former Delta State House of Assembly Member; Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, PDP Chairman, Delta South Senatorial District; Hon. Godknows Angele, Delta State Commissioner for Housing; Hon. Alapala Ebitonmo, Member representing Burutu-1 Constituency and Minority Whip, Delta State House of Assembly; Hon. Chief Peres Oloye, Member representing Burutu South in the Delta State House of Assembly.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Ogulagha Community Secretariat at 10 am, followed by a reception at Ekpebiwei Primary School field.
Adding to the festivities, renowned Ijaw music maestro, Prince Abraham, will perform live to entertain guests throughout the night.
The swearing-in ceremony promises to be a vibrant and joyous occasion, bringing together sons and daughters of Ogulagha Community, Kingdom, and friends, well-wishers, political associates, and the general public. All are warmly invited to partake in the his exciting celebration, which is expected to be an unforgettable experience.
By Divine Perezide
In a dedicated effort to promote education and empower children in the creeks, the Destiny Educational Foundation has provided 105 free JAMB forms to students from Alabini communities (Ekeremor Constituency 3). This initiative is generously sponsored by Hon. Selekebina Saboh, a former Chairman of Ekeremor LGA, renowned philanthropist, and business mogul.
The Destiny Educational Foundation is committed to advocating for quality education and ensuring that children in riverine areas have access to academic opportunities. By providing this support, the foundation aims to ease the financial burden on students and encourage higher educational attainment.
To facilitate the registration process, the free JAMB form registration will take place in Yenagoa and Warri, strategically chosen to reduce transportation costs for beneficiaries.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation and all beneficiaries, Comr. Destiny Oweilayefa Semi, the CEO of Destiny Educational Foundation, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Selekebina Saboh for his generous contributions towards education and community development. He emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in shaping the future of young learners and fostering societal growth.
This initiative underscores the foundation’s unwavering commitment to educational advancement, ensuring that students from underserved communities have the resources they need to succeed.
By Admin
The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has strongly condemned what it describes as a “baseless and fabricated” petition against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro. The petition, allegedly filed by a group called the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum (NDLEF), was published in Punch and Vanguard newspapers on February 8, 2025.
In a press statement signed by Comrade Ozobo Austin, the National President of IPDI, the group dismissed the petition as a desperate attempt to tarnish Otuaro’s reputation and derail his ongoing reforms in the PAP office. IPDI described the NDLEF as a “faceless and non-existent” organization with no legal standing to issue such allegations.
No Missing Funds, No Wrongdoing
Addressing the claims made in the petition, IPDI categorically stated that there are no missing funds in the PAP office and that Otuaro’s leadership remains transparent and accountable. The statement emphasized that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has no reason to investigate the PAP administrator, as all financial transactions within the office are well-documented and monitored by the presidency.
“The EFCC cannot entertain petitions that are based on mere hearsay and propaganda,” the statement read. “The allegations are nothing but a concoction of lies aimed at misleading the public and sabotaging the reforms being implemented in the PAP office.”
Attack on Otuaro and Tompolo
IPDI further alleged that the petition was orchestrated by Jude Gbaboyor, whom they described as a disgruntled individual seeking to regain influence after being dismissed by the previous PAP administration led by General Ndiomu. The group accused Gbaboyor of being a serial petition writer who has made it a habit to threaten and intimidate government officials for personal gain.
“The public is already familiar with Gbaboyor’s antics. His latest petition is no different from previous ones that were dismissed for lacking substance,” the statement continued. “His actions are an attempt to undermine not just Dr. Otuaro but also High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.”
IPDI Stands Firm with Otuaro
The Ijaw group reaffirmed its unwavering support for Otuaro and his ongoing reforms, urging Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders to reject the smear campaign and instead focus on supporting the PAP administrator in achieving his developmental goals.
“We call on all well-meaning Niger Delta stakeholders to stand with Dr. Otuaro as he continues to reposition the PAP for the benefit of our people,” the statement concluded.
The controversy highlights the ongoing political and administrative battles within the Niger Delta region, particularly concerning the management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Despite these challenges, IPDI maintains that Otuaro remains committed to his mandate and will not be distracted by “falsehoods and propaganda.”