Being a Text of Keynote Address by Prof. Binebai at the March 29, IduwiniVoice Launching

Welcome seekers of truth and champions of justice. Today we gather on this sacred journalism ground where the majestic waters of Iduwini converge with the whispers of our ancestors, in the bold spirit of our gods of truth, justice, thunder and fire in the majestic presence of King Bosu Dio, the Ebenanaowei of Iduwini Delta, to inspire our quest for storytelling. Thus, it is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility I stand here to deliver a lecture on the digital tide and the upsurge of Avant-garde journalism with focus on Iduwini voice, a distinctive news media that expresses itself formidably and elegantly as a newspaper and television in the cyberspace. By nomenclature, it is a communal news tabloid that was established by Perez Klintin Bibaikefie, An Engineer, A mathematician, a public affairs analyst, an entrepreneur, a politician and a rising star journalist from Odimodi in Iduwini Kingdom. The idea of an Iduwini newspaper was mooted as far back as 2006. In 2021 Iduwini voice was adopted as a media organisations and by July, 2023 it was registered. Iduwini Voice came to join a league of avant-garde newspapers such as Gbaramatu Voice, The Liberator Newspaper before the recent emergence of Arogbo -IbeVoice, Congress Newspaper and others as kingdom news voices.
Journalism and the Ijaw nation.
Ijaw nation has experienced journalist in many faces of its manifestation and practice. Thus in this sacred space, let us remember the legacy of Ernest Ikoli, the father of Nigerian journalism who stood distinct as a first generation Ijaw Journalist and politician, who challenged the excesses of colonialism. May his promethean spirit infuse our words with power and our hearts with courage and light. The second wave of Ijaw journalism produced other veterans like Willy Bozimor, Owei Lakemfa, Charles Tambou, Barclays Ayakoroma, Simon Ambakederemo, Steve Waidor- Pregbagba, Patrick Brisibe, and Murphy Ganagana. These journalists were employed by mainstream Nigerian newspaper. They wrote for newspapers owned by none Ijaws. They did not have the privilege and opportunity to write freely on Ijaw issues. The Third wave of journalism in Ijaw land came with the introduction of indigenous newspapers in cold print. Their vision is to tell the Ijaw story from the Ijaw point of view. They are Presidor Ghomorai who founded Ijaw News, the first Ijaw Newspaper to be established in the early 90s. Followed by Alfred Egbegi’s Izon Link. Then came Oyadonghan’s Banner News, The Light jointly founded by Ebi Any Ozegbe and Ben Binebai, Creek News, Crystal Express, Dialogue, the National Reflector, Izon Apia, The Agenda, and a host of others. The proliferation of these newspapers in Ijaw land across the Niger Delta was propelled by the creation of Bayelsa state.
It is significant to note that the emergence of the digital tide gave rise to the fourth wave of journalism in Ijawland, and this has greatly transmuted the landscape of journalism in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger delta. It is an era of journalism creativity meets with activism, where courage challenges tyranny and oppression, where tales of freedom and resistance are woven against injustices, where subalternised voices are made loud. President Olusegun Obasanjo played a key role in introducing the Global System for Mobile Communication, GSM technology to the country. His government laid the groundwork for the launch of GSM services in 2001. This was a bold attempt to revolutionize telecommunication in Nigeria. In 1995 internet services were introduced earlier in Nigeria and early online platforms emerged, particularly email and basic websites. In 1999 This Day, a Nigerian newspaper launched its online edition. This was followed by the guardian. In 2005 blogging gained popularity and in 2007, social media platforms like Facebook and twitter gained traction in Nigeria. In 2012, Nigerian government gave legitimacy to blogs and social media as news sources. Historically, this era produced an avalanche of digital newspapers. Apart from the android Cellphones, powering citizen journalism, Advocacy Journalism, Guerrilla Journalism. Digital technology gave prominence to the emergence of avant-garde journalism in the creeks of the Niger Delta. Avant-garde journalism powered fresh variants of storytelling and challenging media journalistic norms of orthodoxy, characterized by its emphasis on innovation, experimentation, and creative risk-taking. This methodology has led to the development of new narrative forms, such as interactive and immersive storytelling. This brand of journalism amounts to an intersection of technology and journalism which explores the potential of digital tools to enhance storytelling and audience engagement.
The emergence of Avant-garde journalism particularly from the Ijaw area of the Niger Delta is a very formidable solution to the major problems of the Ijaw nation. Such as lack of voice and speakability. Before Avant-garde journalism Ijaw nation suffered voicing and adequate representation. The orthodox media operatives had the blank check to write anything they wished for the Ijaw nation. Avant-garde journalism from the Ijaw soil serve as counter narrative voices that present the authentic story of the Ijaw people. These news agencies from the riverine offer distinct viewpoints and insights shaped by their proximity to the local environment and its cultural significance. They possess intimate knowledge of marginalized environment, its dynamics, and the community, enabling in-depth reporting.

Characteristics Avant-garde of journalism
Avant-garde journalism from the Riverine effortlessly access remote areas and gather stories that might or may have been disregarded by mainstream media. They enjoy the trust of the local community, facilitating interviews and information gathering. They duel in their riverine environment consequently, they strongly capture and underscore environmental issues, such as pollution, conservation, environmental sustainability, eco-friendly practices, renewable energy transition, carbon neutrality, climate resilience, biodiversity preservation, waste reduction management, sustainable development, green infrastructure and environmental stewardship in the Ijaw areas and the Niger Delta. Avant-garde brand of journalism is community-centric because it focuses on the needs, concerns, and stories of the local community. It is hyper local because it covers news and issues specific to the riverine area. Most importantly, the alternate journalism in question amplifies the voices and perspectives of ordinary people, not just elites or officials. Significantly, it seeks to inspire community-led solutions and initiatives. By their nature, they celebrate the resilience and adaptability of riverine communities in the face of challenges. Avant-garde journalism is essential for democratic engagement, community empowerment, and sustainable development in these unique regions.
Why Avant-garde journalism
Many reasons have been observed as responsible for the emergence of Avant-garde journalism. These include dissatisfaction with mainstream media that prioritizes sensationalism and profit over truth and depth, leading to a desire for alternative forms of journalism. There is also the point of technological advancements occasioned by the rise of digital media and social platforms. These developments have greatly powered democratized journalism which gives opportunity for new voices and innovative storytelling methods. Interestingly Readers increasingly seek in-depth and diverse perspectives that challenge traditional narratives. And there is the need for independent and unbiased reporting. Avant-garde journalism often pushes boundaries in form and style, attracting journalists seeking innovative ways to tell stories. Essentially as a media tradition growing from the subaltern soil, it focus on marginalized voices. It gives prominence to enlarging diminished voices and perceptions, thus, promoting diversity and inclusion. They are cost effective to operate.

Avant-garde journalism in Ijaw land: functions
The function of these new forms of journalism growing from the neglected and oppressed soil of the Ijaw nation are numerous: They share stories and traditions, and help preserve the cultural heritage of riverine communities. They are very active news agents and sonorous voices of grassroots reporting by providing ground-level reporting, though capturing of the voices and experiences of ordinary people. Besides they cater for the Ijaw and specific audience interested in river-related issues thus creating a dedicated readership. By leveraging these advantages, the Ijaw avant-garde or alternative journalism and journalists produce distinctive, impactful, and high-quality reporting that rings with their audience.
These media outfits collectively constitute the avant-garde journalistic tradition in the 21st century. They are one of the very vibrant voices and agencies that have come to change the direction of journalism in this age of digitalisation and technology. The avant-garde tradition of journalism embraced roundly and resoundingly by rising Ijaw journalistic voices are the embodiment of the digital tide that changes media landscape and the rise of digital journalism.
Iduwini Voice, a Paradigm of Avant-garde Journalism
In the ever-shifting landscape of contemporary journalism, a new wave of innovation and creativity is redefining the way we tell stories and engage with the world around us. At the forefront of this revolution is IduwiniVoice, a pioneering platform that embodies the spirit of avant-garde journalism. With its fearless approach to storytelling, Iduwinivoice is harnessing the power of digital media to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and redefine the norms of journalism. Together with Gbaramatu voice is the first known online and hardcopy media newspaper to emerge in the littoral regions of Delta state, followed by the Liberator Newspaper, Congress newspaper, Arogbo Ibevoice, Egbema voice, they not only provide digital storytelling by sharing stories, cultures, and histories of their environment through digital platforms. They also preserve the Ijaw heritage and accommodate virtual tourism through the promotion of riverine tourism and supporting local economies. They offer informal education and create awareness and campaigns about riverine environmental issues and promote education.
This lecture “The Digital Tide,” explores the remarkable journey of Iduwinivoice and its impact on the media world. It is a bipartite media organization. Founded and popularized by Perez Klintin Bibaikefie. Iduwini voice delves into the vision, of creativity and innovation that have made it a beacon of avant-garde storytelling. From the intersection of technology and journalism to the evolving role of the media in shaping our understanding of the world. Iduwinivoice’s model of avant-garde journalism has been particularly influential, with its focus on digital innovation and community engagement. Iduwini Voice brings stories from the grassroots, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. It provides an alternative to mainstream media narratives, which often marginalize or sensationalize minority communities. It helps to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of the Niger Delta region. And conducts in-depth investigations into issues like corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation. Iduwini voice provides a platform for women, youth, and other marginalized groups to share their stories and perspectives. By leveraging digital platforms, Iduwini Voice democratizes access to information and journalism, reaching a global audience. Iduwini Voice’s significance extends beyond the Niger Delta, offering a model for grassroots, community-driven journalism that can be replicated globally. Because it is a local media outfit executing journalistic activism on the streams of globalization, it is difficult to brand it as a territorial newspaper. By nomenclature it is territorial, by medium it has global capacity it is can be local, national and global depending on its contents.
Iduwini voice is a prototypal model of the avant-garde and digital technology revolution holding sway across the length and breadth of Ijaw land. It has established a bulky voicing tradition in which it dominates the social media space with voices of denunciation, commendation and recommendations of actions and inactions by the powers that be. Iduwini voice flying in the rising digital wind and wings, has dutifully emerged on the horizon of the Niger Delta to participate constructively in shaping opinions and mounting pressure on contrary political centers of gravity. And the man behind this bipartite newspaper, Perez Klintin Bibaikefie, deserves to be commended. It has the noble tradition of balancing lopsided journalism and taming the tiger. Iduwini voice and its counterparts play a crucial role in holding power accountable and promote social justice. Together, they fly the banner of radical journalism by taking critical positions, undergo investigative reporting to expose injustice, corruption and systemic issues, they are champions of alternative viewpoints and the command activists approach and advocacy.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Iduwini voice is one of the most circulated, widely circulated and constantly circulated newspaper with quality contents. It is a leading voice of the voices in online journalism. Today, I have established Iduwini voice as an avant-garde newspaper with transformative energy, a vibrant riverine journalistic voice that is strongly redefining the landscape of news reporting as it affects his homestead by being counter-narrative and embracing innovations. I tell you in strong terms, it is an embodiment of the spirit of avant-garde journalism, a radical reordering of journalism to push boundaries and reshaping the possibilities of storytelling. It is bound to inspire a fresh generation of journalists, activists and community leaders.

Today marks a significant milestone with the official launch of IduwiniVoice. Thus on behalf, the man who bows before the sun that melts his hubris into fashionable humility, a man with an inner voyage of studied character, the Environmental Rights activist, A Philanthropist of great repute, a sport enthusiast, an Ijaw nationalist, the Chairman of this august gathering, High Chief Comrade Sheriff Mudale DG. CEPEJ, I am honoured to present to you a multifaceted and talented young man, a rising wordsmith, a cultural Ambassador, a formidable champion of avant-garde journalism, a digital narrator and investigator, an innovative story teller, a visionary thinker, a man whose pen is more valuable than the warriors sword, a passionate advocate, a determined journalist charged with great purpose, dominated by an impregnable will to climb to the mountain top of journalism; a young man, who commands an imagistic power that defines the power of technology and avant-garde journalism, Perez Klinton Bibaikefie.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Victoria Brickson once said and I quote “place your hands into soil to feel grounded. Wade in water to feel emotionally healed. Fill your lungs with fresh air to feel mentally clear. Raise your face to the heat of the sun and connect with that fire to feel your own immense power” Perez Klinton Bibaikefie is a symbolism of this quote. I congratulate him and his workforce on this remarkable achievement.

By Editorial Team

Success stories resonate more when they are authentic, relatable, and lived in real-time before our very eyes. One such story is that of Inetimi Timaya Odon, popularly known as Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa. His rise from humble beginnings, selling plantain on the streets of Port Harcourt, to becoming one of Nigeria’s biggest music icons, is a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and dedication to one’s craft.

Timaya’s story is not just one of fame and fortune but one that embodies the essence of True Story, his debut album that captivated hearts and set him on a path to stardom. For many of us from the Niger Delta, Timaya’s success hits differently. His music carries our struggles, our hopes, and our dreams. His journey represents the undying spirit of a people who have weathered many storms, determined to chart their course toward a brighter future.

The True Story album, released in 2007, remains a timeless classic. It was more than just music; it was a movement. Songs like “Dem Mama” captured the harsh realities faced by the people of the Niger Delta while offering a beacon of hope to those who felt unseen and unheard. Through his lyrics, Timaya painted vivid pictures of pain, perseverance, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.

For those of us who come from the same roots, Timaya’s success is personal. In secondary school, it was a badge of pride to claim him as a brother from the same region. His rise gave us something to believe in — proof that dreams can come true, even when you start from the bottom. It gave us bragging rights, yes, but more importantly, it gave us hope.

The Egberi Papa’s journey is one that every hustler can relate to. It speaks to those who have faced rejection, endured hardship, and continued to push through the thick clouds of uncertainty. Timaya’s story shows that with unwavering dedication, the impossible becomes possible.

His influence transcends music; it is a cultural movement that inspires countless young people to keep going, to keep believing, and to never give up. Timaya is not just a musician; he is a symbol of what is achievable through hard work and persistence.

As he continues to evolve and remain relevant in the ever-changing music industry, Timaya stands tall as a living legend. His story will forever serve as an inspiration to those who dare to dream beyond their circumstances.

At IduwiniVoice, we celebrate his and the journeies of many more Nigerian/African Youths who have carved a nitch for themselves and made Africa proud, their triumphs, and their impacts on our society.
Big ups, Timaya. Your True Story will forever be our anthem from the creeks to the world.

— IduwiniVoice Editorial Team

Editorial

Prof. Benedict Ebimotimi Binebai, BA. (Hons). M.A, PhD, University of Ibadan., Msonta, Former Head, Department of Theatre Arts Niger Delta University; Current Orator, Niger Delta University; Voice of the Niger Delta, 2021. 2019 Recipient, African Solo Drama Award. He is one of the very few scholars in contemporary Nigeria who not only laid academic foundation for Niger Delta regional Drama through teaching, research and theorisation , but whose scholarship and creativity address the long history of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta through the medium of drama. Binebai is Niger Delta University 55TH Inaugural lecturer. His inaugural lecture is titled, The Theory and Drama of the Silent Space. He is theorist of the speaking Space and Heroes on the Margins. A Multiple Award Winner in Drama and Theatre. A Playwright, Literary Critic, a Subaltern Postcolonial Scholar, Public Affairs Analyst. Governing Council Member, Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro. A Professor of Drama, Dramatic Theory and Criticism, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
This knee-jecking oratorical idol once again broke all known records with his mind-blowing Keynote Address on the occasion of the Grand Reception Ceremony organized by Odimodi Community for her top academic brass.
Read the breathtaking piece.
“Today, as the ancient rivers and land of Iduwini whisper the mission of this gathering to the wind, and the majestic mangrove trees stand sentinel over the land of Odimodi, I stand before you on the prompting of fate, as a true son of the soil, with humility, deep sense of celebration and grace to speak here. But who am I to speak in a grand reception held in honour of our legendary academic, if not for the invitation of the organisers of this grand reception? As I reflect on my academic journey, I am reminded of the day I stepped into the hallowed institution, University of Ibadan, filled with dreams and aspirations. And it was on that day, I first met Professor Chris Ikporukpo at Preboye’s world, Agbowo, Ibadan. His warm smile and temperate academic mien put me at ease. As I recall that historic moment, I remember not just his words, but his nonverbal gestures. The spread of warm smile across his face, his nod of endorsement and the firm but gentle affirmative wave of his hand communicated his reception of my studentship, it is as if he was saying, “welcome to University of Ibadan and I am committed to helping you succeed”. That was 30 years ago. Here we are, father and son as professors. We give God the glory. Our father, the subject of our gathering today is an institution of inspiration and academic productivity.Odimodi, an ancient home where the great river of Iduwini and the waters from heaven nourish the fertile plains, is one of the fastest growing communities, in size and population, located in the northern fringes of Burutu local government. It is an enchanted land and home to a people whose love for knowledge has woven a spell of wisdom and prosperity around them. Its founder, Otolor-Kokioko popularly known as Eluwe, was a wise, courageous and adventurous man who left legacy knowledge for his descendant. This is a community dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the dissemination of wisdom, where children are engrossed in a world of knowledge and wonder. It is a community that celebrates education. We need to applaud our progenitors and their progenies for this divine blessing.The Odimodi dedication to education seems to have been influenced partly by the examples of other education-loving societies around the world. The Jewish community has a long history of valuing education which contributed to their achievements in Science, Technology, “Entrepreneurship, and Art, the Indian diaspora in the United States developed a strong commitment to education, the Singaporean society also placed emphasises on education because it is the driver of economic transformation, Finland, South Korea, the ancient Greek- city state and the Scottish enlightenments also place high value on education. These are examples of nation in the world that have experienced the transformative power of education in shaping the development of their societies and civilisations. In Nigeria, the love for education has long produced the Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa nations as dominant forces and voices.
“Ladies and gentlemen, like the ageless River of Iduwini, education flows eternally, connecting past, present and the future and shaping the minds of those who drink from the waters. Permit me to visit the past to acknowledge the contributions of tutors of Odimodi ancestry to the educational development of Ijaw and the Nigerian nation at Burutu. For decades these tutors: the late legendary Mr. Smart Oka and S.M.B Bibaikefie, mathematics and physics tutors, Dickson Ikporukpo Geography tutor and administrator, late Michael Ingo Music, late Idumu Seikorowei, Late Clark Oka, a Student Tutor, Late V.C.M Isiayei, late Tima Iyalagha, Henchard Erezene and Hon.Dennis Yeinbiri Bibaikefie, a tutor of Chemistry and Physics. These array of tutors showed their unflinching commitment to empowering younger generations of Nigerians including Ijaw youths through education. In an occasion of this magnitude, it is necessary to recognise and appreciate their selfless work as educators. Some of these educators or their children are the ones we are celebrating today as professors. Interestingly, most of the honorees had their educational foundation at Eluwe Primary School Odimodi. Let it be known that the Odimodi example of educational excellence is based on, Student and Teacher-centric, institutional, society and environmental factors. These factors interweave to construct a robust drapery of support to the academic success of the Odimodi consumer of knowledge.In 2019, when my senior brother, Henchard Erezene and I were announced as Professors by the Governing Council of Niger Delta University, the entire Iduwini gathered at Burutu with Odimodi taking the lead to celebrate my thanksgiving in which the former and late Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Professor Samuel Akpoebi Gowon Edoumiekumo, attended. Remarkably, I received another reception ceremony from the youths of Odimodi on the 29th of December 2019. A memory that remains vivid and indelible in my mind.Here we are again, in a most fitting manner, to honour a big academic masquerade, an intellectual Abadejongo, a grand master, a titan, a supreme geographer of geography, a prophet and a sage of the environmental science and a space occupying sheriff of knowledge. As you can see, the serene and bright weather indicates that the ancestors and gods of our great land of Iduwini smile upon us as we celebrate the retirement of Professor Chris Ikporukpo and the reception of our new professors. It is only in the fertile soil of knowledge that the seeds of greatness are planted and the harvest of progress and prosperity are reaped. Evidently, Odimodi has an impressive history of nurturing its educated sons and daughters in Ijawland.
“On behalf of the Chairman, Chiefs, elders and good people of Odimodi community, I extend my warmest congratulations to Professor Chris O. Ikporukpo, former Vice- Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, on his retirement after his meritorious service to the University of Ibadan in particular, and the global academic community for 43 years. It is an honour to attend school, and even a greater honour to become a professor, but it is a supreme honour to become a vice –chancellor – head of academics and administration- a professor of professors and most importantly, to inspire education and scholarship in society. It is a joyous spectacle to retire successfully and gloriously. Not many can cross the river Prof Chris Ogolo Ikporukpo has crossed.The educational history of Odimodi is made visible and prominent by several professionals, such as Healthcare professionals, Education professionals, justice and law enforcement professionals, Business and finance professionals, skilled trades, technology and IT, arts and entertainment Professionals, Government and Public Service professionals, architects and engineers. But from the dawn of the Odimodi educational Odyssey, teaching and the law professions are linked. Thus, it is expedient to honour the late Chief Barrister Ernest Ikime Iseru, a pre-independent lawyer, who himself was a trained grade one teacher, a head teacher at the Native Authority School, Okrika and later went to Northern Nigeria where he taught at a college, he proceeded to the United Kingdom to study law between 1955 and 1958. He returned to Warri as the most senior lawyer in the then Warri province. He made history as the first lawyer from Western Ijaw Division, preceding Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, and Broderick Bozimo. What is more, his legacy lives on through two of his children and ground children who followed his footsteps in the field of law. His first daughter, Anne, the queen of Professor Chris Ikporukpo’s dynasty, a 2011 Doctor of philosophy holder from University of Ibadan, whose daughter is a lecturer of law at University of Lagos, soon to earn a PhD in law, thus, going beyond her models. You can see that Professor Ikporukpo’s home is an educational confluence powered by the teaching and the legal professions. Barrister Ernest .K. Iseru was a great teacher and lawyer. The law foundation laid by Barrister Ernest. K Iseru has since attracted a legion of legal experts in Odimodi like Barrister Sam Ikporukpo, Austine Igbapike and his granddaughter, a teacher of law.My warmest posthumous congratulations to a profound scholar of mathematics, our own Richard Ogoja Angiama of the University of East London, with broad knowledge and expertise in academic fields such as applied economics, marketing and Industrial Administration. A trailblazer who ignited a passion for scholarship, a pillar of inspiration in the pursuit of knowledge. Let us also welcome Henchard Bibi Erezene, a scholar who has over 50 local and international publications, a member of several learned academic societies and Associations including the historical society of Nigeria. Professor Henchard Bibi Erezene is the Chairman, Ijaw National Congress(INC) National Committee on Environment and Biodiversity, and a member of the Board of Governors(BOG) of the Assemblies of God Nigeria Pentecostal Theological Seminary at Eleme, Port Harcourt, A Professor of African History, first Professor of History in Western Ijaw and former Head, Department of History and Diplomacy, Faculty of Arts, Niger Delta University, Jude Iyabrade Ikporukpo, from the Ikporukpo natal and academic dynasty, a university Administrator, a highly effective leader and scholar with impressive national and international publications. A Professor of Development Studies in Political Science and former Head, Department of Political Science. Let us also welcome Dr. Bryan Oweilayefa S. Gere, a PhD Holder in Rehabilitation Services from the Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a recipient of academic awards, an author of several book chapters, journal articles and a principal and co-investigator on some competitive grants. He is a member of The National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) and the American Counselling Association (ACA). An Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Services, University of Maryland, Eastern Shores, USA. As we celebrate their remarkable career, we recall the wisdom of Aristotle, who said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit. Their career has been a rich tapestry from threads of dedication, expertise and compassion. They are great sons of Odimodi who unlocked the treasure chest of knowledge and discovered earlier, that education is a heroic quest for self-discovery, overcoming challenges and emerging victorious.Professor Chris Ikporukpo walked through the iconic gate and attended the University of Ibadan in 1970, full of dreams powered by a heart of curiosity. He earned a degree in Geography in 1973. The eagle sees clearly and properly only when it flies higher. The courage to reach greater heights is an inner energy of vision. Following his National Youth Service, he returned to the University of Ibadan on scholarship to pursue his doctoral research, skipping the master’s degree and earning his PhD in 1977.Chris Ikporukpo rose rapidly through the academic ranks, becoming a substantive professor of Transport/Industrial Geography on October 1, 1991. Between 2008 and 2010, he served as a member of the Governing Board of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Professor Chris Ikporukpo was appointed Vice- Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Wilberforce, Island Bayelsa State, in 2005 by His Excellency, late Chief Dr. Diepreye Solomon Peters Alamieyeseigha, a position he held until 2012. Chris Ikporukpo is a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Geography. An earlier teacher of Professor Idowu Olayinka, who was the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, when he retired in 2020.He served as Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, and after his Vice-Chancellorship at NDU, he accepted leadership role as Head of the Department of Geography. An acceptance characterised by humility, profound commitment and strong sense of allegiance to the academe. Prof Chris Ikporukpo published in peer reviewed papers and a number of high impact national and international journals. He has been published in a variety of subjects, within the disciplines of geography and science, a distinguished academic that journeys along the coast of environmental studies and urban planning within Nigeria and the African landscapes. His scholarship is a merger of thoughts from urban development, environmental policy, geography and environmental science. His research dovetails into social and economic dimensions of natural resource management, urbanisation and environmental change issues and the complex relationship between human and natural systems. He has taken scholarship to urban development in the Lake Chad and the evaluation of urban green infrastructure in Ethiopia. Professor Chris Ikporukpo’s scholarship has addressed topical subjects such as land use change, oil resource management and the interlock of federalism and economic power in Nigeria, and without doubt his intellectual radar also captures the challenges of urban mass transit and rural transportation. Remarkably, our honoree has collaborated with researchers and institutions from around the world, displaying a robust research capacity across cultural and geographical frontiers. He has received sponsorship from great institutions such as the Deanship of scientific research at Kings Khalid University and the Ministry of Science and Technology in Taiwan. Chris Ikporukpo has researched on environmental planning and management in the Nigerian context and the development of innovative frameworks and models for analyzing and addressing environmental challenges in the Niger Delta. He possesses a repository of knowledge and his works have been extensively studied, deeply recognized and broadly cited in the fields of geography and environmental science. “Professor Chris Ikporukpo has supervised many graduate students, helping to build capacity in geography and environmental science. He gave his inaugural lecture, titled “Spatial Engineering and Accessibility, 2002 at the University of Ibadan, from the Faculty of Social sciences. A lecture predicated on design and implementation of systems, products and environments that are accessible, usable and safe for everyone. A first-rate utility lecture. Today, we are gathered in a colourful way to celebrate a luminary whose radiant intellect and generosity of spirit have illuminated the lives of countless students, a man with the shoulder of a giant whose academic prowess and pedagogical passion have inspired generations, we celebrate the retirement of this great father, mentor, and academic hero-general, the Funpere and Fun Agele Sibewei of Iduwini, Professor Ikporukpo, and the recent promotion of three other academics of Odimodi to the professorial cadre.The noble Odimodi Community of Iduwini kingdom is one of the highest producers of professors and other academics in Burutu local Government area. Only a community that knows the value and power of education can achieve this feat.
Professor Chris Ikporukpo is known for his frank and sociable personality within and outside the university environment. If you want him to listen to you, be reasonable, show preparedness and capacity for what you want him to do for you. Make no foolish and impossible requests from him. Many would think he is a difficult man, but he is not difficult. He is only principled. He appreciates family, friends, and well-wishers. He is one man who wants the best for his society.The academic veteran, Chis Ikporukpo, when he was a university administrator, projected a heart decorated and populated with university transformation and sophistication. During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor at Niger Delta University, he caused an educational revolution. The quality of lecturers at the time was very poor. The university was populated with junior faculty members or Assistant lecturers. To change the narrative, Professor Chris Ikporukpo gave an order to lecturers without PhDs to enroll in PhD programs at accredited universities to further their academic careers. As at the time he was leaving as Vice-Chancellor, the university recorded over three hundred PhD holders. It was during his tenure that the university started producing professors, associate professors, and senior lecturers.Today, the Niger Delta University is a self-governing institution known nationally as the Most Efficient University in Nigeria during the recent reign of the late Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Gowon Edoumiekumo. A foundation laid by Professor Chris Ikporukpo and Professor Humphrey Anthony Ogoni who succeeded him as Vice-Chancellor.We gathered deliberately to celebrate because the academic and intellectual tidal muses of Iduwini vibrate melodiously in harmony, from the distant past and the heroes have emerged, with hearts forged in the crucible of curiosity, ablaze with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and excellence. They descended, armed with the armour of wisdom and the spear of innovation, driven by the fire of their passion, they embarked on their epic quest, conquering the realms of knowledge and emerging victorious. “Today, the professors we celebrate appear as guardians of the sacred flames of knowledge and excellence in their various fields of pedagogy and erudition. They have transcended their fields by making significant contributions to the broader social and cultural landscapes. They are important for the advancement of knowledge in Odimodi, Iduwini, and the wider Ijaw setting by promoting social justice and advancing the well-being of humanity. The achievements of Professor Chris Ikporukpo and the professors of honour today, attest to the fact that excellence is achievable, innovation is possible, and learning is a life-long journey.A majestic and venerable great and aging tree may slow its growth, but its roots remain to nourish the soil for future generations. Professor Chris Ikporukpo’s legacy will continue to inspire and nurture our academic community. Our father, our mentor and “mega academic hero”, is a confluence of intellectual merit and activism and a transporter of rising scholars finding voices. His Ikporukpo-centric rationalization and academic attributes have helped to build a fertile tide of intellectuals within Odimodi, Iduwini, Ijaw land in the Nigerian academic estate and the global arena. He represents a historical”