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OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. SHERIFF OBOREVWORI, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE, ON THE NEED TO DEFINE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE NEWLY CREATED MINISTRY OF RIVERINE AREAS DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE AND IMPACTFUL EXECUTION OF PROJECTS.
OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. SHERIFF OBOREVWORI, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE, ON THE NEED TO DEFINE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE NEWLY CREATED MINISTRY OF RIVERINE AREAS DEVELOPMENT, TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE AND IMPACTFUL EXECUTION OF PROJECTS 
Your Excellency,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, an indigene of Odimodi town in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State who contested for and lost the PDP Ticket for Delta State House of Assembly, Burutu-1 Constituency to Chief Hon. Peter Asupa Forteta. I am writing to express my profound appreciation for your commendable efforts in establishing a dedicated Ministry for the development of Riverine Areas in Delta State, and for appointing a Substantive Commissioner to oversee its operations. The creation of this all important ministry was one of the major albatross amongst other criticalities that drove and still drives my desire to represent and speak for my dear Burutu Northerners dwelling along the River Forcados, its tributaries, and estuary. This significant move underscores your commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by riverine communities and ensuring their sustainable development.
I also wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude for recognizing the need for a second commissioner for Burutu Local Government Area, a well-deserved and long-overdue recognition of our LGA’s share size, economic and political contributions, and needs. This gesture is a testament to your inclusive governance approach and your dedication to equitable development across the state.
However, I feel compelled to address a crucial concern that I believe warrants your immediate attention. The creation of this Ministry brings with it high expectations from the riverine dwellers of Delta State. They are looking forward to transformative projects that go beyond the scope of palliative measures previously executed by agencies such as SUBEB and DESOPADEC. It is imperative that the Ministry of Riverine Areas Development avoids the pitfalls that have beset other agencies and instead focuses on substantial and impactful projects that will genuinely improve the lives of our communities.
To ensure the success of this new Ministry, I respectfully recommend that its terms of reference be clearly defined, with a focus on the execution of capital projects that will have a lasting impact on riverine communities. Specifically, I propose the following initiatives for your consideration:
1. Interconnection of Riverine Communities with Access Roads and Bridges:
Amongst the most pressing needs needs of our communities is the development of infrastructure to facilitate connectivity. I recommend that the Ayakoromor Bridge and road extension through Burutu, Ofougbene, Forcados, Odimodi, and Ogulagha towns be prioritized and ceded to this Ministry. Other key road projects include the Omadina-Okerenkoko Road, Camp-5, Krutie, Kunukinuma, Inekorogha, Azama, Oporoza, Opuede/Tebizor, through Ogidigben to Youkri road project, and the Ogbobagbene, Torugbene, Ojobo, Bulou-Ndoro road. These projects will significantly enhance mobility and economic activities in these areas.
2. Connection to the National Electric Grid:
Reliable electricity is essential for the development any community. I urge that this Ministry focuses on connecting riverine communities to the national electric grid. Where this is not feasible, the construction of stand-alone electric grids to power clusters of riverine communities should be undertaken. This will not only improve the quality of life but also spur economic growth.
3. Provision of Potable Water:
Access to clean and safe drinking water has been a perennial challenge for riverine communities. The establishment of this Ministry presents an opportunity to embark on a large-scale Town Service Water Scheme Campaign across these communities. This initiative will address the existential question of potable water and contribute to improved public health.
4. Building of Fishing Hubs:
Delta State Government can generate billions of naira from the vast potential of the Blue Economy buried in the very vast riverine landscape it hosts. This is further enhanced by the constant electric power supply currently enjoyed by communities such as Odimodi and Ogulagha. Your Excellency, if this Ministry collaborates with the state ministry of agriculture to build Fishing Hubs in places like Odimodi and/or Ogulagha towns with functional Fishing Trawllers and Cold Rooms (fixed and boat-mounted), for fishing, sorting, preservation, and transportation of fish for distribution in the city center.
5 Legislative Backing:
To ensure the continuity and effectiveness of this Ministry, I propose the forwarding of an executive bill for its establishment with utmost urgency. This will provide the Ministry with the necessary legal framework, legitimacy, and protection from arbitrary dissolution by successive administrations. A robust legislative backing will empower the Ministry to carry out its mandate effectively and sustainably.
It is vital to acknowledge that if not clearly defined, the objectives and scope of this important Ministry might become diluted, akin to the experiences with other similar ministries/agencies. These organizations have often devolved into undertaking minor projects that fail to meet the substantial needs and aspirations of their host communities. The recurrent shortcomings have resulted in a lack of faith and frustration among the people they are meant to serve, and this makes the government at various levels appear not to have a genuine interest to solve the problems of the Niger Delta Wetlands.
Your Excellency, the establishment of the Ministry of Riverine Areas Development is a bold and visionary step. However, its success hinges on a clear, focused, and ambitious agenda. By concentrating on major capital projects, infrastructure development, and essential services such as electricity and potable water, etcetera, this Ministry can become a catalyst for meaningful development in riverine communities and make Delta State a model for other Riverine States to emulate.
Connect our areas with road access, give us power supply, and watch us turn around the commercial fortunes Burutu, Warri-Southwest, and Warri-north LGAs around, and increase the state internally generated revenue geometrically.
In conclusion, I urge you to consider these recommendations seriously. Your leadership in this endeavour will leave a lasting legacy of development, equity, and prosperity for the riverine communities of Delta State. Thank you for your attention and for your unwavering commitment to the progress of our state.
Yours sincerely,
Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie
Former PDP Contender, Delta State House of Assembly, Burutu-1 Constituency
© IduwiniVoice
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BINIKAMAI 2025: CAРТ. ALFRED W. OBONIKA HONOURED AS OSAINTAREWEI OF GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM CHIEFTAINCY TITLE
Amatu-1, Bayelsa State – November 22, 2025
In a historic and culturally vibrant ceremony, the Grand Iduwini Kingdom has conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Osaintarewei of Grand Iduwini Kingdom on Chief (Capt.) Alfred Obonika Waratimi. The honour was bestowed during the 2025 Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival held at Amatu-1 Town in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The revered monarch of the kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Pere Joel Ekeni Ibani JP, Ogiobo-IX, Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom, personally performed the conferment rites before an enthusiastic gathering of chiefs, cultural custodians, community leaders, and indigenes.
The event, marked by colourful traditional displays and deep cultural symbolism, underscores the kingdom’s commitment to recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves in service, leadership, and loyalty to the Iduwini heritage.
In his remarks, Chief (Capt.) Alfred Obonika Waratimi expressed profound gratitude for the honour, dedicating it to the people of Iduwini Kingdom and the broader Ijaw Nation. He invoked blessings upon the monarch and the kingdom, praying:
“May the Ascended Masters and Grand Cosmic Beings enfold Ogiobo, Grand Iduwini Kingdom, and the entire Ijaw Nation now and beyond with Light, Life, and Love.”
The 2025 Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival, known for its rich cultural significance, once again highlighted the unity, spiritual strength, and enduring traditions of the Iduwini people.
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ENGR. AMAKUBUKURO CONFERED ‘MIENKIRIGBOLOMOWEI’ OF GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM, THANKS OGIOBO-IX FOR THE CONFIDENCE REPOSED IN HIM
By: Favour Bibaikefie
Amatu-1, Grand Iduwini Kingdom – In a colourful display of culture, honour, and ancient tradition, renowned technocrat and accomplished Engr. Napoleon Amakubukuro, has been conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Mienkirigbolomowei of Grand Iduwini Kingdom” by His Imperial Majesty, Pere Joel Ekeni Ibane, JP during the just concluded Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival held at Amatu-1 town, the ancestral headquarters of the Grand Iduwini Kingdom.
The revered title, Mienkirigbolomowei, meaning “The Diligent One,” is reserved for individuals whose character embodies discipline, integrity, methodical excellence, and unwavering commitment to community upliftment. According to palace insiders, the title aligns perfectly with Engr. Amakubukuro’s reputation as a meticulous, circumspect, and pragmatic professional whose outstanding contributions and personal conduct have earned widespread admiration.
Speaking with deep emotions after the conferment, the newly installed Chief expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, High Imperial Majesty, the Iduwini Traditional Council of Chiefs, and his immediate family for their prayers, support, and encouragement before and during the historic ceremony. He described the honour as a call to deeper service and reaffirmed his dedication to the growth and unity of all Iduwini people.
The chieftaincy conferment sparked an outpouring of tributes as friends, family, colleagues, and well-wishers flood social media platforms with congratulatory messages, celebrating Engr. Amakubukuro’s deserving recognition and commending his uplifting leadership qualities.
The Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival, one of the most significant cultural events in the Grand Iduwini Kingdom, once again served as a platform to celebrate excellence, heritage, and distinguished personalities whose achievements continue to inspire many.
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IJAW NATION HONOURS FORMER PRESIDENT JONATHAN ON BIRTHDAY, DESCRIBES HIM AS ‘A SON OF DESTINY’
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has extended warm felicitations to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as he marks his birthday, describing him as a Statesman whose exemplary leadership and enduring commitment to national unity continue to resonate across Nigeria and beyond.
In a heartfelt tribute issued by the Global President, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, the INC said Jonathan remains a symbol of humility, peace, and democratic integrity whose legacy stands tall in the nation’s political history.
Read the full text of the statement below:
“A Birthday Tribute to a Statesman and a Noble Son of the Niger Delta
“By: Prof. Benjamin Okaba
President, Ijaw National Congress (INC)
“On behalf of the entire Ijaw Nation, both at home and in the diaspora, the Ijaw National Congress extends our warmest felicitations and heartfelt congratulations to our dear son, brother, and father, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, as he marks another year of life and grace.
“Your birthday, Your Excellency, is not merely a personal milestone but a moment of collective celebration for our nation and, most profoundly, for the people of the Niger Delta. You remain a shining symbol of humility, intellectual depth, and unwavering faith, whose journey from the creek communities of the Niger Delta to the pinnacle of Nigerian leadership continues to inspire millions.
“We celebrate you today for the indelible marks you have left on the sands of time. Your tenure as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was distinguished by a profound commitment to democratic ethos, exemplified by your historic act of statesmanship in 2015—an action that profoundly stabilized our nation’s polity and earned you global acclaim as a champion of peace and democracy.
“Your legacy of “One Nigeria,” built on the pillars of unity, inclusivity, and the promotion of national discourse, remains a benchmark for true leadership. Even out of office, you have continued to serve as a beacon of hope, a mediator on the continental stage, and a mentor to a generation of emerging leaders.
“Dr. Jonathan, you are truly a son of destiny, who has proven that greatness is not in the noise one makes, but in the peace one fosters, the lives one touches, and the dignity one upholds.
“As you celebrate today, we pray that the Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health, enduring wisdom, and boundless joy. May He grant you many more fruitful years to continue your invaluable service to humanity.
“Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
“Long live Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan!
Long live the Ijaw Nation!!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!”
The Congress prayed for God’s continued guidance, good health, and long life for the former President, noting that his wisdom and moral strength remain invaluable to Nigeria and the African continent. As the Ijaw Nation joins millions across the world to celebrate Dr. Jonathan, the INC, reaffirmed its pride in his achievements and its unwavering support for his ongoing contributions to peacebuiliding and global leadership.