News
IPF Appreciates Ijaw Nation Over the Overwhelming Support Towards their Successful 2nd Ijaw Media Conference 2025
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has expressed profound appreciation to the Ijaw nation, invited guests, and stakeholders for the overwhelming support and the “impressive and flawless hosting” of the 2nd Annual Ijaw Media Conference 2025, held at the KFT Event Centre, Warri, Delta State.
In a formal appreciation message jointly signed by the National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin and the National Secretary, Comrade Tare Magbei, the Forum stated:
“We express our heartfelt appreciation to the Ijaw nation for its support for the impressive and flawless hosting of the 2nd annual Ijaw media conference 2025, at KFT event centre, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.”
The statement further acknowledged God’s divine help for the success of the gathering, noting:
“Again, we give all glory, honour, and thanksgiving to God Almighty for His grace, wisdom, guidance and provisions for making this year’s conference impactful, peaceful, impeccable and highly rewarding.”
Commending the massive attendance aand meaningful contributions by dignitaries, women, youth, and professional groups the statement read:
“We sincerely appreciate all the distinguished personalities and dignitaries for their presence, support, and invaluable contributions, which collectively ensured the success of this year’s historic gathering.”
“We express our deep gratitude to Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, President of PANDEF and Keynote Speaker, whose far-reaching intellectual depth and visionary engagement on the Theme: ‘Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations’ helped redefine perspectives and reposition the mindset of Ijaw publishers toward responsible and developmental journalism.” as the body showers special appreciation on the keynote speaker.
“Our profound appreciation goes to Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and Chairman of the Occasion, not only for his inspiring leadership insights but also for his generous financial support, which significantly contributed to the successful delivery of the conference. We want to also gratefully acknowledge Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and Special Guest of Honour, for his impactful address and financial support, which reinforced the strategic role of the media in governance, legislation, and regional development” the statement added.
Special commendations was extended to captains of industry, private sector, and traditional institutions, including but not limited to:
“Special thanks go to Mr. Lethemsay Braboke Ineibagha, MD and CEO of Vettal Mega Services Limited, for his generous financial support and belief in the vision of the Ijaw Publishers Forum. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Father of the day, High Chief Tunde Smooth, Bolouwei of the Niger Delta, whose financial contribution and moral encouragement added great value to the conference,”
“We extend our deep respect and appreciation to the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty, Pere Luke Kalanama VIII, Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, who sent Royal prayers, fatherly guidance, and moral support, which added dignity, cultural depth, and authority to the conference.
“We equally appreciate High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, and also, Barr. Lyna Ocholor, Principal Secretary to the governor of Delta State for their timely financial assistance and unwavering support” the forum added.
The Forum emphasized the collective intellectual impact of the conference, stating:
“However, the collective wisdom shared by Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, and Engr. Udengs Eradiri profoundly sharpened and reshaped the mindset of publishers and the Ijaw people at large.
“We equally thank the Ijaw National Congress, INC… We appreciate the Ijaw Youths Council, Western zone for their massive presence.”
Concluding, the Forum exressed no surprises that IPF has received widespread commendation for conceptualizing and successfully hosting such a timely and impactful conference.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By Charity Ebi
Hon. has formally assumed office as the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, pledging dedication to service and community development.
Speaking following his inauguration, Negerese described his new role as a call to responsibility and commitment rather than a mere title. He assured residents that his leadership would focus on delivering impact and fostering hope across the local government.
He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine grace and acknowledged the support of key political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, , and his deputy, . He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , for his encouragement and backing.
The newly inaugurated coordinator further thanked the leadership of the City Boy Movement, particularly the State Director-General, , as well as members of the organisation for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Negerese paid special tribute to the people of Ekeremor, including youths, women, and elders, for their support and participation in the process leading to his emergence.
He pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote development, empower residents, and strengthen unity within the area, expressing optimism about building a more vibrant and progressive Ekeremor under his coordination.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — Former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Godknows Boladei Igali, has commended the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bayelsa State, describing it as a significant step in advancing development efforts in the Niger Delta.
In a statement released on Friday, Igali said the President’s presence in the state for the commissioning of major projects underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on infrastructural growth in the region. He characterized the visit as timely and impactful, noting that it reflects a broader commitment to addressing development needs in oil-producing communities.
The former envoy also praised the administration of Governor Douye Diri for delivering key projects designed to enhance living standards and stimulate economic activities across the state. According to him, the ongoing infrastructure initiatives represent meaningful progress in Bayelsa’s development trajectory.
The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Fo observed that the newly completed projects are expected to improve connectivity, boost commercial activities, and open up employment opportunities, particularly for young people in the state.
Igali further urged residents to accord the President a warm reception, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective support for policies that drive national development.
President Tinubu’s visit includes the inauguration of several strategic projects executed by the state government, a move widely viewed by stakeholders as strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational authorities in fostering sustainable growth.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has reaffirmed that its rescheduled national elections will hold on April 13, 2026, declaring its Electoral Committee (ELECO) fully prepared and cautioning against any directive capable of undermining the process.
The resolution followed an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on April 9 at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, convened to assess the level of preparedness for the forthcoming elections.
INC NEC Affirms ELECO Readiness
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NEC unanimously endorsed the report presented by ELECO, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness and affirming that the elections would proceed as scheduled.
The council stated that members “endorsed the report of the ELECO… that the rescheduled INC National elections should hold on the 13th of April 2026 as planned.”
It further noted that concerns raised at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Bayelsa State Government in March had been adequately addressed.
Affirmation of Electoral Independence
The NEC stressed the need to preserve the independence of the electoral body, directing that ELECO be allowed to carry out its responsibilities without interference.
According to the communiqué, ELECO is to “carry out its assignment without interference from other organs of Congress, except to receive logistics support from the NEC.”
The council also expressed confidence in the committee’s readiness, particularly in the preparation of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
Clarifies CITRE’s Role
In a move seen as addressing internal governance concerns, the NEC clarified the constitutional role of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), describing it as an advisory organ in line with Article 14(D) of the INC 2019 Constitution.
It noted that CITRE’s functions in election matters are limited to clearing nominees and managing disputes arising from the electoral process, similar to the role of the Board of Trustees (BOT).
The NEC, however, reiterated its openness to constructive input from CITRE, BOT and other organs, provided such advice aligns with the overall interest of the Congress.
INC Discourages Misinformation
The council issued a strong advisory to the public and stakeholders to disregard any information or directive inconsistent with the official position of ELECO.
“The general public is therefore advised to discountenance any information or directive that runs contrary to the position of the ELECO…,” the communiqué stated.
NEC Attendance Across INC Structures
The meeting drew a wide representation of leadership across the INC structure, including NEC members, BOT officials, CITRE leaders, National Representative Committee (NRC) members, zonal executives and chapter representatives.
Among those in attendance were INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; National Secretary, Engr. Ebiowei Wodu; Acting Chairman of CITRE (East), HRH (Gen. Rt.) B.A. Fipinimama; ELECO Chairman, HRM (Justice) Dr. F. F. Tabai; and ELECO Vice Chairman, HRM Seiyifa Koroye.
Others included ELECO Secretary, Dr. Otobo Choice Jamaica; former INC President, Prof. A.W. Obianime; National Legal Adviser, Bomo Tons Fetepigi Obhe; National Organising Secretary, Onengiyeofori Fenibo; and Leader of the NRC, HRH (Dr.) Anyanate Kio.
Also present were CITRE leader, HRH Okoko Stample Esau (PhD); BOT Vice Chairman, Chief M. Tiemo; BOT Secretary, Barr. Fidelis Agbiki; National Treasurer, High Chief Philip B. Agu; National Women Leader, Alali R. Danagogo; and Vice President, Rose Obuoforibo.
Chapter and zonal representatives included Barr. Agha Toru-Ibe (Benin City Secretary), Ephraim Gogo (Benin City Chairman), Tonye Harry (Lagos Chairman), A. Elayelagha (Lagos Secretary), Daniel Ebijor Tonibor (Abuja Chairman), Tete K. Friday (Abuja Assistant Secretary), Ajele Ayokeji Johnson (Akure Chairman), John Ebiofini (Akure Secretary), and Chief Bare Etolor (Chairman, Ijaw Elders Forum).
Others were HRH Akcheseinimie Micah Frank (BOT member), Princess Ebiseni Adesola Joyce (NRC Deputy Leader), Elder Gabriel Benamiensia (NRC Clerk), Karibo Lawrence (Eastern Zone Vice Chairman), God’swill Seke (Central Zone Secretary), Mrs. Peremo Isenali Opiali (National Welfare Secretary), and King Koma A. Eteko (CITRE Deputy Chairman).
The NEC’s resolution is widely interpreted as a strategic effort to consolidate authority within the INC and prevent internal divisions ahead of the elections.
By reaffirming ELECO’s independence and clarifying institutional roles, the leadership appears focused on ensuring a credible, transparent and conflict-free electoral process.
With the April 13 date now firmly set, attention will shift to the conduct of the elections and the ability of the Congress to sustain unity in the post-election period.