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PANDEF Celebrates Niger Delta Women on International Women’s Day
By Divine Perezide
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has paid glowing tribute to women across the Niger Delta region in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, describing them as the backbone of peace, unity, and development in the oil-rich region.
In a press statement issued on March 8, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows B. Igali, OON, the regional socio-political organisation congratulated women of the South-South geopolitical zone, acknowledging their enduring role in shaping the region’s social and economic progress.
PANDEF in the statement declared:
“On the occasion of the celebration of *International Women’s Day 2026, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) warmly salutes our mothers, sisters, and daughters of the Niger Delta, the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria.”
The forum noted that the contributions of women in the Niger Delta span generations, recalling the leadership legacy of prominent figures such as the late nationalist Margaret Ekpo, whom it described as a revered matriarch and a symbol of women’s influence in Nigeria’s political and social development.
According to PANDEF, Niger Delta women have consistently demonstrated resilience and courage, particularly in the face of socio-economic challenges confronting the region.
The statement emphasised:
“It is common knowledge that the remarkable resilience of Niger Delta women has continued to sustain peace and harmony across our zone, even in the face of the stark contradictions our people experience within the national political and social landscape.”
The group further acknowledged the sacrifices made by women in the region despite environmental degradation and infrastructure deficits affecting many communities.
PANDEF noted that even though the Niger Delta contributes significantly to Nigeria’s revenue base, women have continued to play vital roles in maintaining family structures and fostering social stability.
The statement added:
“Through strength, wisdom, and sacrifice, you have continued to nurture families, strengthen communities, and weave the enduring foundations of stability, unity, and peace in our societies.”
Highlighting the theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day, “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” the organisation said the theme aligns with the resolutions reached during the recently concluded 2026 PANDEF Women’s Conference, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on March 4, 2026.
According to PANDEF, the conference served as a platform where the voices, leadership and aspirations of women in the region were reaffirmed.
The group also pledged continued collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders to ensure policies and initiatives that promote women’s welfare and participation in governance.
PANDEF stressed that:
“The progress of our region is inseparable from the empowerment and wellbeing of its women.”
While celebrating the global day dedicated to women, the forum commended the courage and determination of Niger Delta women, urging them to continue playing active roles in community development and national advancement.
It concluded by extending goodwill to women across the region, stating:
“On this special day of global recognition, we celebrate your courage, your resilience, and your enduring contributions to the Niger Delta and to our nation.”
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Late High Chief (Boanerge) Lawrence Orukemezuogha for Burial at Agge Town, on February 13, 2026.
By Derick Peretengboro
The burial of Late High Chief (Boanerge) Lawrence Orukemezuogha of Opu-Ituere quarters of Agge Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Ogiriye 1 quarters of Ojobo and Bomuzuwei and Imbeware quarters of Odimodi, both in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, who died at the age of 77 years (1948 – 2025) on the 5th of October, 2025, after a protracted illness, has been announced by family.
Funeral activities of the deceased who is survived by wife, 20 children, and 21 grandchildren will commence on Friday, 13th of February, 2026. The body is billed to leave Ame Specialist Hospital, Okumagba Avenue,Warri, by 8.00 a.m., to his hometown, Agge Community, via Miller Waterside Jetty.
The family further disclosed that at 11:00 am the body is expected to have arrived his compound to be received by Chiefs, Elders, and family members, to depart to Holy Ghost City Zion Church field for funeral service by 11:30AM.
A private interment at his final resting place will follow at 4:00 p.m., after which a social wake-keeping will commence by 7:00 p.m. till dawn, with music supplied by John Ekpesebo.
A thanksgiving service scheduled to hold on Sunday 15th February, 2026, by 8:00 a.m. at Holy Ghost City Zion Church, Agge Community, to mark the conclusion of the burial activities.
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Chief Evans Etimigba (JP), Invites All to the Burial of 101-Year-Old Grandmother, Mama Bomor Etimigba
By Divine Perezide
Chief Evans Etimigba JP (FICMC) has called onl family, friends, and well-wishers to the burial ceremony of his Grandmother, Mama Bomor Etimigba (née Ekerekeme Ikodo), billed to hold on February 13, 2026, at Ayakoromo Town, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Mama Bomor who hails from the Gogi family of Diamo Idumu and the Ogula family of Aziboware of Karebi Egede, both in Akubiri Quarters, alongside the Fiyai family of Yeyeware of Assesaghabiri, all in Ayakoromo Town, as well as the Ikodo family of Orugbene in Burutu Local Government Area and the Zikena family of Akpanika-Ibodo of Akugbene Town in Bomadi Local Government Area, passed on at the age of 101 years, on June 7, 2025. She is survived by two children, 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, which includes Apst. Stephen Makirifegha Etimigba and Dcn. Johnbull Etimigba Okunwei (sons), Chief (Amb.) Evans E. Etimigba (JP) and Mr. Collins T. Etimigba (grandsons), as well as Faith Etimigba, her senior granddaughter.
In a burial announcement jointly signed by Mr. Ezaigba Paymaster for the Gogi family of Diamo Idumu of Ayakoromo; Capt. Augustine Ogula for the Ogula family of Aziboware of Ayakoromo; Rev. John Epideiprekumor Ogofa for the Zikena family of Akpanika-Ibodo of Akugbene; and Apostle Stephen Makirifegha Etimigba for the children, the burial activities will commence at 12 noon, with the body leaving Ame Specialist Hospital Mortuary to Izon-Oborotu through Miller Waterside for a brief stop-over at her husband’s compound, before proceeding to her hometown, Ayakoromo for funeral service and interment at her family compound (Diamo Idumu).
Reception follows shortly with music supplied by John Ekpesebo at Ngbelebiri Primary School field, Ayakoromo, and wake-keep will continue till dawn with musical display by Chief Allen Alabo.
By: Divine Perezide
A towering Burutu APC leader, Comrade Isaiah Tam Ingo, has announce arrangements for his upcoming 50th birthday (Golden Jubilee) celebrations, inviting family, friends, associates, and well-wishers to join him in thanking God for reaching the milestone age of 50.
Sharing the news with a note of gratitude, Comrade Ingo stated that “by His grace and mercies upon my life, I, Comrade Isaiah Tam Ingo, will be 50 on Thursday 22nd Jan. 2026.” He appealed for massive attendance at the thanksgiving service, adding, “By this notice, I plead with you all to honour me with your esteemed presence as I give thanks to God Almighty on the occasion of my 50th Birth Anniversary.”
According to details released, the Thanksgiving Service is scheduled as follows:
Date: Sunday 25th January 2026
Venue: “Sunrise Mega Parish, 6 Onoja Street Opposite Kenwood Hotel Ekpan – Warri”
Time: 10 a.m. prompt
The celebrant emphasized that the anniversary is dedicated to divine grace, concluding his notice with the words, “To God be the glory.”
The event is expected to attract family members, colleagues, friends, political associates and leaders, and members of the wider public.