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Behold the Decline: The Abandoned Burutu Sea Port: Legacy of Colonial Ambition, Neglect of History.
Behold the Decline: The Abandoned Burutu Sea Port: Legacy of Colonial Ambition, Neglect of History.
By Prince Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie,
Burutu, Nigeria – April 3, 2024
Nestled along the winding banks of the Niger Delta, the once bustling hub of maritime activity, the Burutu Sea Port, now stands as a testament to neglect. Built in 1887 by the Royal Niger Company, it was heralded as the beacon of modernity, the first of its kind on the African continent. Today, it is a haunting echo of its former glory, overshadowed by decay and abandonment.
A Legacy of Exploitation.
History, though often painful, offers us glimpses into the past. Burutu and its neighboring port, Forcados, were pivotal players in the dark chapter of the transatlantic slave trade. The Portuguese, in their quest for wealth, constructed a slave dungeon in 1475, where countless souls were imprisoned before being shipped off to Europe and the Americas.
Over the centuries, the landscape bore witness to the ebb and flow of colonial ambitions. Structures erected by the Portuguese and later the British still stand, weathered by time and neglect, silent reminders of a tumultuous past.
The Fading Grandeur.
The once majestic edifices that adorned the Burutu Sea Port now stand as dilapidated relics, crumbling under the weight of neglect. The grandeur of colonial architecture, once a symbol of power and prosperity, now lies in ruins, a mere shadow of its former self.
While the remnants of history are still visible, they are fast succumbing to the ravages of time and the apathy of governance. Despite calls for preservation and restoration, the government has turned a blind eye to the fading heritage of Burutu, allowing neglect to gnaw away at its historical significance.
A Call to Action.
As we stand at the precipice of time, it is imperative that we heed the lessons of history. The Burutu Sea Port, with its rich tapestry of narratives, deserves better than to be relegated to the annals of neglect. It is a symbol of resilience, a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The time has come for action. We must rally together to preserve the heritage of Burutu, to honor the memories of those who came before us, and to ensure that future generations inherit a legacy worth cherishing. Let us not allow the echoes of the past to fade into obscurity, but rather let them serve as beacons of hope, guiding us towards a future of unity and understanding.
In the heart of the Niger Delta, amidst the decay and neglect, there lies a spark of possibility. Let us fan the flames of renewal and breathe life into the forgotten relics of Burutu, for in doing so, we honor not only our past but also our collective humanity.
IduwiniVoice Community
Jubilation As Farmer Reunites With Family After Surviving 24 Hours Alone In The Forest
By Favour Bibaikefie
Odimodi, Delta State – Relief and jubilation filled the air in Odimodi Town, Burutu Local Government Area today, as a missing farmer, Mama Kuluma Iyorakpo (Nee Bekewei), was reunited with her family after missing her way on her return trip from the farm yesterday. Mama Kuluma reportedly passed the night in the middle of nowhere in the deep Odimodi rain forest.
According to community sources, Mama Iyorakpo had gone to her farm on Tuesday morning but lost her way while attempting to return home after work. Her non-return at dusk sparked concerns and anxiety among family and neighbours who alerted the community leaders. Her overnight absence triggered the dispatch of search parties by the community hierarchy, which found her after many hours of tireless search, the morning hours of Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Mama Kuluma was visibly exhausted from endless efforts made trying to find her way, lack of proper rest, food, or water to drink.
Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the family, her son, Comrade Friday Millions Iyorakpo expressed gratitude to God for sparing his mothers life and commended the Odimodi Community for swiftly dispatching search parties who made tireless efforts to securely rescue his mother alive.
The incident has been described as a testament to God’s guiding and protective hands and the resolve of a people’s determination to save life with an enduring communal spirit.
IduwiniVoice Community
Just In: Gov. Oborevwori’s Aide, Chief Etimigba to Burry Mother on October 31
By: Divine Perezide
The remains of Chief Mrs. Leleitugha Etimigba (Nee Bibaikefie), mother of Chief Evans E. Etimigba (JP), FICMC, FABEN, the Osuopelekarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu LGA, is set to be laid to rest in Ofougbene town, come October 31, 2025.
This is according to a statement released by the family and signed by Chief Evans Egbesekumor Etimigba, JP, FCIMC, FABEN (for the Children); Hon Dennis Yinbri Bibaikefie (for the Bibaikefie family); Dcn. Okunwei Etimigba Johnbull (for the Husband Family); and Capt. Benard B. Fejofawei (for Azina-ware Quarters, Ofougbene).
“The families of Late Chief Bibaikefie Ikiere of Ikile-ware Quarters, Odimodi, and Late Apala Ekeye of Azina-ware 3 Quarters, Ofougbene-both of Iduwini Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State cordially invites you to the funeral ceremony of Late Chief Mrs. Agnes Leleitugha Etimigba (nee Bibaikefie), who died on July 30, 2025, at the age of 67.”
According to the statement, the body is billed to leave Veenel Mortuary for Ofougbene by 10am on October 31, to stopover at her husband’s house, Liomoni Quarters briefly, before moving over to her compound, Azina-3 Quarters, for another stopover. Body will Lie-in-state at Ela Primary School field, Ofougbene for funeral service, before interment by 4p.m. at her family compound, Azina-ware Quarters. An All-night Wakekeeping is scheduled to commence from 7p.m. till dawn as JKing Alfred Izon-ebi.
She’s survived by her husband, three children, seventeen grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and many relatives.
However, Chief Etimigba has called on family, friends, and well-wishers across Ijaw nation and beyond to join him and family as they pay their last respect to Late Chief Mrs. Etimigba.
May her soul rest in peace.
IduwiniVoice Community
SPEECH BY HIGH CHIEF (ENGR.) KESTIN EBIMORBOWEI PONDI, FNSE, FNIIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED, ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCH OF THE NEWLY BUILT EDUCATIONAL FACILITY AT THE WARRI CORRECTIONAL CENTRE ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025.
Protocol;
The Deputy Controller of Corrections, Warri Medium Security Custodial Centre, esteemed officers and men of the Nigerian Correctional Service, respected community leaders, colleagues, friends, and partners, ladies and gentlemen.
Today is a landmark date for the Nigerian Correctional Service and a day of renewed hope for inmates of the Warri Medium Security Custodial Centre, because we are gathered together here to launch the newly built 2-storey building dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and learning in our custodial facility. This building will house the National Open University Study Centre for custodial inmates here in Warri. It is also a landmark for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited as we reach out to the high and low of society, to say no one is forgotten in our society. It is a day that reinforces our conviction at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited that security is not only about protecting assets and territories, but also about investing in human lives, rebuilding destinies, and shaping a better future for our society.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, formerly known as the Nigerian Prisons Service, is one of the oldest institutions in Nigeria, going all the way back to 1862, one year after the Colony of Lagos was proclaimed by the British as a counterpart to the first set of four courts established for the colony. Since then, the service has continued to play a vital role in rehabilitating persons convicted or accused of committing offences against the law in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Correctional Services performs the following ten functions;
1. Receiving and Holding detainees.
2. Rehabilitating inmates. They aim to reform prisoners through counseling, education, and job training programs.
3. Ensuring the welfare of inmates.
4. Maintaining security.
5. Supervising inmates.
6. Reintegrating ex-inmates into society.
7. Documenting and Keeping records of inmates
8. Permitting visitation.
9. Transporting inmates.
10. Releasing qualified inmates.
Of all these, perhaps the most important is the rehabilitation of inmates and that is where education plays a vital role.
On August 15, 2019, the Federal Government of Nigeria took a bold step in reforming our justice system by transforming the Nigerian Prisons into Correctional Centres. This was not just a change of name, but a deliberate shift in philosophy; from punishment to rehabilitation, from stigma to dignity, from exclusion to reintegration.
In alignment with this national vision, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has chosen to support the Warri Correctional Centre with this newly constructed, 2-storey educational facility. This modern building; comprising eight fully furnished classrooms, an administrative office, water-system toilets, a borehole supply system, and a solar-powered inverter system; represents more than an investment in bricks and mortar. It represents opportunity. It represents hope. And it represents the belief that every person, regardless of their past conduct, can be transformed through education. It represents a second chance.
This project is also consistent with Tantita’s wider commitment to community development across Nigeria. Only recently, Tantita had the honour of renovating the historic Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna; a landmark of faith and culture; which was formally commissioned by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, last week on Friday 19th September. That project, like this one, reflects our philosophy that true security is built not only through vigilance alone, but also through investment in people, communities, and the values that bind us together.
Education is the most powerful tool of rehabilitation. It opens minds, reforms character, and creates pathways for reintegration into society. By God’s grace, this facility will soon host the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre, giving both inmates and staff access to a qualitative path to academic advancement. This milestone will not only transform individuals but will also strengthen our collective security as a nation, because an educated mind is more inclined to productivity.
At this point, let me sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Correctional Service, both here in Warri and at the Headquarters in Abuja, for their cooperation and encouragement throughout this journey. I also extend my gratitude to the Deputy Controller of Corrections, DCC Richard Egbede, for his kind words and steadfast commitment to making this project a reality for the correctional service.
For us at Tantita, this project may be corporate social responsibility, but it is not just Corporate Social Responsibility. It is a moral duty, a social investment, and a testament to our unwavering belief that Nigeria can only be truly secure when her people are empowered, rehabilitated, and given a chance to thrive.
I dedicate this facility to the future of the staff and inmates who will study here, to their families who long for their reintegration or elevation, and to the larger society that will benefit from their transformation.
May this building serve as a beacon of hope, a centre of learning, and a symbol of second chances.
On behalf of the management and staff of Tantita. I thank you all for joining us in this historic moment. Together, let us continue to build a safer, stronger, and more compassionate Nigeria.
God bless the Nigerian Correctional Service.
God bless the good people of Warri.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Photo Credit: GbaramatuVoiceTV
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