Opinion
Tompolo: A Paragon of Leadership and Devotion – Binebai
In the class and realm of visionary leaders, one name stands out – Government Ekpemupolo, affectionately known as Tompolo. A shining exemplar of courage, resilience, and dedication, Tompolo has etched his name in the annals of Ijaw history. With unrelenting passion for the welfare of his people, he has become a guiding light for the Niger Delta region. As a champion of progress and development, Tompolo’s leadership has transformed lives and communities.
As a stalwart son of the Niger Delta, Tompolo’s leadership is a catalyst for change, illuminating the path to a brighter future for all. His steadfast dedication to the progress of Nigeria and the well-being of its diverse populace is a testament to his visionary character. Through cultural advancement and intellectual empowerment, Tompolo fosters a culture of innovation, creativity, and critical thinking.
By harmoniously blending tradition and modernity, Tompolo bridges the gap between the Ijaw nation’s rich heritage and the demands of a rapidly changing world. He preserves and promotes Ijaw cultural traditions, while embracing modern technologies, ideas, and innovations that drive progress and development.
Through his transformative leadership, Tompolo has revitalised the centuries-forgotten mangrove communities, turning them into thriving centres of culture, development, and knowledge generation. These once-neglected areas now pulsate with new life, as Tompolo’s initiatives have sparked a spiritual risorgimento, awakening the community’s potential and fostering a sense of pride and purpose.
By his spiritual and cultural activism, Tompolo has reconnected the Ijaw nation with the prototype ancestral energies on the sacred Agadagba island, reviving ancient traditions and rekindling the spiritual flame that once burned bright. This reconnection has not only strengthened the Ijaw people’s bond with their heritage but has also infused them with a renewed sense of identity, purpose, and belonging.
Tompolo’s leadership style is reminiscent of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew, who transformed a small island nation into a thriving economic powerhouse through visionary leadership, pragmatism, and a deep understanding of his people’s needs. Like Lee Kuan Yew, Tompolo has demonstrated a tireless work ethic and a profound commitment to his people’s welfare, prioritising their needs and working tirelessly to build a brighter future for generations to come.
Tompolo leads as the true breed of ideal leader that the Ijaw nation needs – a champion of the people, a guardian of their heritage, and a visionary for their future. His leadership is characterised by wisdom, integrity, and a deep understanding of the Ijaw nation’s unique challenges and opportunities.
By building bridges between the Ijaw nation and the rest of the world, Tompolo promotes cross-cultural understanding, global cooperation, and mutual respect. He champions initiatives that showcase Ijaw heritage, traditions, and values, while embracing the diversity and richness of global cultures.
Tompolo’s legacy serves as a shining example of devotion to community, nation, and humanity. His unyielding dedication inspires a new generation of leaders, fostering a culture of compassion, justice, and peace. Through his remarkable journey, Tompolo has demonstrated that true leadership is not merely about power, but about empowering others, uplifting communities, and forging a better world for generations to come.
* As Group Gears Up to Endorse Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for 2027
By: Divine Perezide
Ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually inches closer, the political terain have seen a lot of endorsements at various levels. In Delta, there have been reports of a planned endorsement of governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the sole candidate by a group of Delta Ijaws. This has however, triggered reactions from many stakeholders, including a prominent Ijaw leader, peace and development advocate, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff, PhD, who has declared that Ijaw votes in 2027 would be determined by projects allocated, adequately funded to completion in the 2026 budget.
The renowned human and environmental rights activist made the declaration at a press briefing after an expanded stakeholders meeting in Warri on behalf of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the state.
According to the Ibe Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, the adequate inclusion and funding of projects in the riverine areas will serve as critical consideration for political support, and riverine communities predominantly occupied by the Ijaws and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.
While he commended the infrastructural development stride by governor Oborevwori in the upland areas, Mulade however lamented the absence of such infrastructural revolution in the riverine areas of the state despite the population density and huge revenue contributions to the state as host to multinational oil and gas companies.
He said, “I want to sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the infrastructural development, which I described as infrastructural revolution in the state, particularly in the upland, and your proposed commissioning of the reconstructed Odimodi-Ogulagha road earlier constructed by SPDC in the 1980’s for their operational convenience and community residents.
“It is imperative to state that some Ijaw communities such as Ogulagha, Torugbene, Oporoza, Akugbene, Ojobo etc. are more densely populated than some local government headquarters in the upland, but they are deliberately deprived of development because of the so-called claim of terrain challenges.
“These communities host multinational oil and gas companies contributing immensely to the state revenue, but without any significant projects,” he lamented.
The Ibe-Sorimowei who reminded the governor of how the Ijaws adopted, supported and stood by him all through the election season, also gave the assurance of massive Ijaw votes come 2027, but one that must be backed by the governor’s commitment to development through massive projects inclusion for the area.
“We (the Ijaws) have created a conducive atmosphere to boost oil and gas production, making Delta the richest state; support security, douse restiveness and support economic stability. It is time for the governor to reciprocate through the 2026 budget with tangible legacy projects,” he asserted.
Speaking further he said, “Your Excellency, permit me to draw your attention to some expected critical projects that must be considered for the Delta Ijaw nation: the Ayakoromo bridge, Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene-Escravos road, Aladja-Ogbe-Ijoh Road, Ojobo-Torugbene road, among others.
“Build a first class Health Centre/General Hospital in riverine community, particularly at Ogulagha Town, to compensate the people for their huge contributions to the state revenue.
On education, he appealed that, “It is worthy of note that every ethnic group in Delta State hosts state university except the Ijaws and the Itsekiris. I want to strongly and sincerely appeal to His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori once again, to consider the upgrading of the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, which is a moribund polytechnic, to a campus of the Delta State University, Abraka. This will position the state to explore the blue economy opportunities. Equally too, the state government should, without delay, build a campus of Dennis Osadebe University at Koko to give sense of belonging to the Itsekiris with a special focus on agriculture for Deltans.
“The above mentioned projects constitutes significant live-wire for the Delta Ijaw, and will translate into votes come 2027. We can assure His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, of 100 percent of the entire Ijaw votes come 2027.
“The consideration of revolutionary projects in the riverine areas in the 2026 budget will give a sense of belonging to the people for their huge contributions. Moreover, your commitment to development will write your name in gold, not just seeking their votes during elections.”
“Tompolo: A Movement of Transformation” – Prof. Binebai,
IduwiniVoice
Renowned Delta-born Professor of Professor of Drama, Dramatic Theory and Criticism, and an Auratorial god, Prof. Benedict Binebai has yet described High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo as ‘A Movement of Transformation”
In his words, “Tompolo is a multifaceted entity, a veritable institution that defies categorisation, embodying a dynamic force that permeates various aspects of society. As an agency, it represents a powerful catalyst for change, driving progress and innovation in its wake. As a model, Tompolo exemplifies excellence, demonstrating a paradigm of leadership that is at once inspiring and aspirational. His influence extends far beyond the realm of politics, permeating the cultural, religious, and spiritual spheres, where he fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“As a movement, Tompolo is a seismic force, shaking the foundations of complacency and stagnation, and galvanising individuals to strive for a brighter future. His impact is felt across generations, as he empowers young and old alike to become agents of positive change in their communities. In the realm of politics, Tompolo’s leadership has been characterised by a commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of the marginalised. His vision for a more equitable society has inspired countless individuals to work towards a common goal, forging a sense of solidarity and shared humanity.
“Culturally, Tompolo has been a luminary, celebrating the rich diversity of Nigerian heritage while promoting a sense of national identity and pride. His influence has helped to preserve traditional values while embracing modernity, creating a unique blend of old and new. Spiritually, Tompolo’s message of hope and redemption has resonated with people from all walks of life, offering a sense of solace and comfort in times of uncertainty. His leadership has embodied a sense of compassion and empathy, inspiring a new generation of spiritual leaders to follow in his footsteps.
“In every sense, Tompolo is a transformative force, a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to the greater good. He is an impeccable movement because his philosophy, his love for society, his cultural activism, his religiosity and leadership grace and skill which is human centered is attracting a large followership, particularly in the Nigerian Delta, where his impact is deeply felt.”
This assertions resonates well with popular sentiments held not just across the Delta of Nigeria but far beyond. Tompolo’s increasing popularity waxes stronger on the pillars of his dedication to homemade ijaw naturality, largeheartedness, stern capability in securing critical national economic assets and the environment, and above all, a detribalized collaborative efforts with other critical stakeholders within and outside the Niger Delta for peace, stability, infrastructural development, and economic process.
(c) IduwiniVoice
* Pushes for Riverine Infrastructural Revolution In 2026 Budget
By: Divine Perezide
Renowned Delta-born peace, development, and environmental advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, Ph.D, has praised His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State for the infrastructural revolution in the state.
Thus contained in a statement issued by the renowned activist and business tycoon in his office at the Africa4Peace Centre, Ugolo, Okpe Local Government Area, wherein he stated: “It is imperative to state that, the governor has won the heart of Deltans for his developmental strides, irrespective of political affiliation.”
“Let me specifically appreciate the governor once again for using construction giant Julius Berger Plc for the three flyovers situated in Uvwie Local Government Area around Warri axis of the State and the proposed Ughelli and Agbor flyovers to ease traffic flow in those areas”, he added.
“Governor Oborevwori has equally embarked on stormwater drainages and several roads construction projects in the state, which are very impressive demonstration of determine and dedicated governor efforts towards his people.
“However, I wish to strongly appeal to His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to consider and give deep sense of belonging to the riverine communities dominated by Ijaw and Itsekiri to equally enjoy the dividend of infrastructural revolution being embarked upon by his administration.
“It is pertinent to remind the governor that Ijaw and Itsekiri areas contributes over 60 percent of the state economy through oil and gas resources and the blue econom, which make the state the richest in Nigeria and there is no significant projects in this area worthy of note, inspite of their huge contributions to the revenue base of the state, Mulade quipped.
“Let me use this opportunity to sincerely appeal on behalf of the good and peace loving people of Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities that the 2026 Delta State budget must give critical consideration to the people by accommodating the Ayakoromo bridge, Torugbene-Ojobo road project, Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene- Escravos Road etc. These areas deserves development beyond just elections and vote-seeking in 2027 and beyond.
“Your Excellency, it is worthy of note that the riverine areas are tired of 1 or 2km concrete walk-ways in their communities regarded as roads rather we need the coastal communities/areas to be connected to the upland for economy viability and growth”, he emphasized.
“It is worthy of note that, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has done very well in terms of stormwater drainages and road projects and same gesture should be extended to the economy sources by deploying Julius Berger to handle such projects for durability, thereby writing his name in gold and sink his identity in the heart of riverine people like His Excellency, Chief James Onanafe Ibori, former governor who boldly achieved Bomadi and Omadino bridges that as linked those areas to upland in the state,” Mulade asserted.