IPF Inauguration 2024
IPF Inauguration Gains Momentum as Chief Kestin Pondi Commits to Chairing the Event on February 29.
IPF Inauguration Gains Momentum as Chief Kestin Pondi Commits to Chairing the Event on February 29.
By Prince Peretengboro Bibaiefie,
The upcoming inauguration of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) received a significant endorsement as Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, accepted the invitation to chair the ceremony scheduled for February 29, 2024, in Warri, Delta State. The decision was solidified during a meeting between Chief Pondi and a delegation of IPF members, led by President-Elect, Comr. Ozobo Austin, the CEO of Congress Newspaper, at Tantita’s Warri office.
Notable IPF members present during the visit included Pastor Akemetubo Arex of WaffiTv, Hon. Tamsokunbiri MMD of Parliament Newspaper and Rich & Famous magazine, Prince Peretengboro Bibaiefie of IduwiniVoiceTv and IduwiniVoice Newspaper, and Mr. Abai Francis of PENGlobal.
Chief Pondi praised the collaborative efforts of Ijaw Publishers in establishing a powerful platform and pledged his full support for the Forum’s inauguration. He emphasized the need to dispel misconceptions about the Ijaw people and highlighted the progress made by telling our own story through mainstream media owned by Ijaw individuals.
Encouraging IPF members to persevere in rebranding the Ijaw National Image, Chief Pondi urged IPF members to contribute to the region’s continuous growth and national development.
On his part President-Elect Ozobo expressed gratitude for Tantita’s ongoing support to indigenous media platforms and assured that the Forum is committed to not disappointing the people of Niger Delta. He appealed for sustained backing from stakeholders in the region for the Ijaw Publishers’ collective efforts.
Gbenekama to be Inducted Into IPF College of Patrons
By Admin,
Gbaramatu Kingdom’s Fiyewei (Spokesman), High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, is set to join the prestigious College of Patrons of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF).
In a significant announcement on Monday, IPF delegates paid a courtesy call to the esteemed activist and Niger Delta development advocate. IPF President, Comrade Austin Ozobo, lauded Gbenekama’s impactful agitations, declaring him a fearless fighter for the entire Niger Delta against government oppression.
Ozobo emphasized that Gbenekama’s longstanding commitment had paved the way for the establishment of a media-focused body dedicated to advocating for comprehensive development and improvement for the Ijaw people. He further stated that Gbenekama’s induction into the College of Patrons was a recognition of his experience and unwavering integrity.
Responding to the news, a jubilant Gbenekama praised the media executives for forming a united front in pursuit of a better Ijaw nation and a developed Niger Delta. The revered chief endorsed the formation of the Ijaw Publishers Forum, urging the organization to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in its endeavors.
Expressing gratitude for the accolade, Gbenekama vowed to provide unwavering support to ensure the success and optimal functioning of the IPF. He joins an illustrious group of individuals inducted into the IPF College of Patrons, including Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Limited, and Kingsley Otuaro, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State. The induction ceremony stands as a testament to the commitment of these distinguished personalities to the advancement and betterment of the Niger Delta region.
IPF Inauguration 2024
Ijaw Publishers Forum Inaugurates an 8-man National Executive to Pilot its Affairs.
Ijaw Publishers Forum Inaugurates an 8-man National Executive to Pilot its Affairs.
By Tobouke JEMINE, 01/03/2024.
The inauguration ceremony of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has been done and dusted, but the ripples it has generated will last for a considerable time. The inauguration ceremony venued at the Tunde Smooth Playground in Warri, Delta State, saw the inauguration of an eight-man National Executive to pilot its activities for the next two years.
The newly inaugurated Executives include: Comr.Austin Ozobo, President; Comr. Onduku Oyinbi, Vice President; Comr. Magbei Tare, Secretary; Comr. Ezekiel Kagbala, Public Relations Officer; Comr. Mingo Friday, Treasurer; Comr. Ugedi Mike, Financial Secretary; Mr. Francis Abai, Chief Research Officer and Prince(Dr.) Peretengboro Clinton Bibaikefie, Assistant Public Relations Officer. The oath of office was administered on the executive members of the body by Igho Ogedegbe Esq.
In his inaugural speech, the IPF National President , Comrade Austin Ozobo , who is the the publisher of Congress Newspaper promised to carry out an all-inclusive policy . He further said,”I will embrace team work, I will work building a strong Ijaw owned mainstream media.
“We will undertake school outreach programmes, seminars, workshop, conferences and many more to create more awareness.
“I will maintain accountability, integrity and trust among members of the IPF and the general public.”
The Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Kestin Pondi, speaking through his representative, Joshua McCaiver (the Head of Bayelsa Tantita Security Services), congratulated the new Executives of IPF and urged them to use their platforms to champion the importance of youth education in Ijawland, and as well as project and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Ijaws across borders. He advised IPF members to always do thorough investigation before filing any news story in order to curtail and avoid avoidable litigations and controversies.
The former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro, also congratulated the executives on their inauguration. The former deputy governor said the IPF will help to narrate the Ijaw story in the right perspective.He assured the media body that the Ijaw nation will give IPF every support its needs to function effectively.
In his remark ,the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Perediegha Luke-Kalanama VIII(JP) entreated every Ijaw man and woman to support and emulate Tantita Security Services . The monarch encouraged the IPF executive to run the affairs of the body in a transparent and accountable manner. He also urged members of the new Executive Council to collaborate with the president in advancing the forum.
The IPF used the occasion to honour the former Delta State former deputy governor , Kingsley Otuaro as it Grand Patron and Managing Director of Tantita ,Chief Kestin as its “Patron”.
The event which was spiced up with various Ijaw cultural dancing groups lended elegance and festivity to the day.
INC president, Okaba throws weight behind Ijaw Publishers’ Forum.
In a significant development, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, has officially endorsed the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) and confirmed his attendance at their forthcoming inaugural ceremony.
The endorsement came after a brief but impactful meeting between Prof. Okaba and a delegation from IPF, led by Comrade Austin Ozobo, in Yenagoa today. This endorsement holds immense importance, given Prof. Okaba’s influential position as a foremost Ijaw leader and academic luminary.
The IPF delegation extended an invitation to Prof. Okaba, which he graciously accepted. The inaugural ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Chief Tunde Smooth Playground in Warri on February 29, 2024.
This endorsement signified high level of acceptance of the forum by significant institutions and personalities dedicated to the promotion and representation of Ijaw interests globally. The acceptance of the invitation by Prof. Okaba not only underscores his support for IPF but also highlights the importance of unanimous echoes of the voice of Ijaw people not only within the Ijaw nation but across the global media space.
Comrade Ozobo expressed the forum’s boundless appreciation to the number one citizen of Ijaw Nation, promising that Chief Tunde Smooth Playground is expected to witness a gathering of prominent Ijaw figures, intellectuals, and leaders during the inaugural ceremony. This event promises to be a platform for constructive discussions, fostering a stronger sense of community and collaboration among the Ijaw people.
As the date approaches, anticipation grows for what is expected to be a historic moment for the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum, with the esteemed presence of Prof. Okaba and other dignitaries billed to attend the event.