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Communique Issued After the Emergency Expanded National Executive Council Meeting of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) on the Political Crisis in Rivers State.
Held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Izon-Ware, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
Preamble
1. An emergency expanded meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) was convened to discuss critical issues affecting the ljaw people, with a particular focus on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including NEC members,leaders of the National Representatives Council, representatives from the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Eders (CITRE), Zonal and Chapter leaders of the INC, affiliate Ijaw organisations, past INC President s and other respected Ijaw leaders.
2. The session, presided over by the INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, began with a moment of silence in honour of Chief, Sen., Dr., Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, the former Chairman of the INC Board of Trustees, who passed away on February 17th, 2025. During his opening remarks, Prof. Okaba urged attendees to remain objective and non-partisan in their discussions, emphasizing that the resolutions reached would have a significant impact on the Ijaw Nation and Rivers State.
After extensive deliberations, the following observations and resolutions were made:
Observations
1. The Ijaw people host a major portion of Nigeria’s oil and Gas assets, yet they continue to face political marginalization and economic neglect. Additionally, the Ijaws suffer the exploration and exploitation without commensurate benefits.
2. Historically, Ijaw ancestors played a crucial role in both the foundations of Nigeria as the first tribe to arrive here and in Nigeria’s struggle for independence. Ijaws took the lead in actively fighting for the creation of Rivers State as well. As such, the Ija people remain key stakeholders in the development of both Rivers State and Nigeria.
3. Over the years, the Ijaw people have supported the emergence of governors from other ethnic groups in Rivers State, including Dr. Peter Odili (Ndoni), Sir Celestine Omehia (Ikwerre), Hon. Barr. Rotimi Amaechi (Ikwerre), and Barr. Nyesom Wike (Ikwerre). Notably, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Dame Patience Jonathan played a crucial role in Wike’s rise to power.
4. The Ijaw people have always stood behind past governors throughout their tenures, ensuring their successful completion of two-tenure administrations without external interference.
5. While acknowledging Barr. Nyesom Wike’s role in the election of Gov. Siminilayi (Ijaw), the INC, urged Wike to reciprocate the goodwill by supporting Fubara’s administration, just as Ijaws had backed him during his tenure.
6. The ongoing political conflict between Barr. Nyesom Wike and Gov. Siminilayi Fubara is unwarranted and has hindered peace, stability, and development in Rivers State and the Niger Delta. The crisis has resulted in loss of lives and destruction of properties worth hundreds of millions in naira.
Resolutions
The meeting, therefore, resolves as follows:
1. Gov. Siminilayi Fubara is a legitimate leader of Rivers State, and to the best of the INC’s knowledge, he has done nothing to justify the level of harassment and intimidation he is currently facing. Despite numerous political distractions, Gov. Fubara has made significant strides in increasing state revenue and implementing impactful infrastructure projects within two years in office. The INC fully supports him during these challenging times.
2. The INC appreciates the overwhelming support from Rivers people of different ethnic backgrounds, including Ikwerre, Ogoni, Ekpeye, Ogba, Etche, Ndoni, and Egbema, who have stood by Governor Fubara throughout this crisis. This solidarity reinforces the fact that the political turmoil is not an ethnic conflict and that the Ijaw Nation is not declared hostilities against any individual or ethnic group. The INC remains committed to peace, unity, and the overall stability of Rivers State and Nigeria.
3. The INC strongly warns that any attempts to remove Governor Fubara from office or disrupt his administration by any means is an affront on the over 45 million Ijaws across the world, which could lead to severe consequences beyond the control of the Ijaw National leadership.
4. The INC expresses gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his initial interventions in the Rivers State political crisis and urges him to intensify efforts to restore peace and order in the state.
5. The INC also commends Governor Fubara for his efforts towards complying with the dictates of the Supreme Court so far and urges all parties to do their part to speedily resolve the crisis.
Conclusion
The INC remains steadfast in its commitment to the stability and progress of Rivers State, the Ijaw Nation, and Nigeria as a whole.
Long live Rivers State!
Long live the Ijaw Nation!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Signed:
Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba
INC President.
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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.