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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MAIDEN EDITION OF THE IJAW PUBLISHERS’ FORUM (IPF) MEDIA CONFERENCE
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) held its maiden Media Conference and Annual Dialogue with the theme ‘Advancing the Quest for Economic and Political Justice’ at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, where sundry issues as they affect the Ijaw Nation were extensively discussed. The conference was attended by media practitioners, environmental activists, top government officials, among others.
The conference deliberated on the division in the Ijaw Nation caused by partisan politics, and consequently decried such an act.
The conference also looked at the attitude of some Ijaw political office holders towards their Ijaw brothers and sisters. The conference was specific on instances of some Ijaw political office holders shutting their doors to their Ijaw brothers and sisters; and more so preferring outsiders to their Ijaw brothers and/or sisters in terms of assistance.
The conference expressed worry on some national issues as they affect the Ijaw Nation. The conference was specific on the ongoing debate on the tax reform bills before the National Assembly, and the apparent silence by the Ijaw people.
The 2024 Media Conference and Annual Dialogue at the end of the deliberation resolved as follows:
That the persistent marginalisation and oppression of the Niger Delta people by the Nigerian Federal Government has led to a growing demand for resource control and self-determination.
That, as a region and Ijaw people who continue to bear the burden of the nation’s oil wealth, its people are increasingly seeking greater autonomy and control over their natural resources.
That the Federal Government and other stakeholders must take immediate action to address the pressing issues such as environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and political exclusion, etc. facing the Niger Delta region.
That the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta at large must be united and determined to challenge the continuous marginalisation and demand a better future for themselves and their children.
That the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta region have long been plagued by issues such as environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and political exclusion, yet, despite these challenges, the region particularly Ijaw Nation must remain resilient and determined to fight for their rights.
That the Ijaw people must continue to rise up against economic, environmental, and political injustice, until their voices are heard, and their rights are respected.
The conference demanded for greater investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as the need for more inclusive and representative governance.
That Ijaw people must come together and take a common position on the ongoing debate on the tax reform bills before the National Assembly, and that the Ijaw Nation must gather its best brain particular in the law profession to critically look into the Bill and take an anonymous position even as the NASS prepares for the public hearing.
That Ijaw leaders particularly political office holders must play an open door policy, keep their office doors open to their Ijaw brothers and sisters, and must rise to their assistance when such need arises.
That if the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta region fails to stand in unison and fight as one, the region and the Ijaw would be the loser.
That the unity of the Ijaw people depends on the Ijaw themselves who have always constituted themselves as their own hindrance.
That despite the struggles of the Ijaw people for political, environmental, social and economic emancipation, the Ijaw Nation is yet to make any progress because of the selfish interests from some leaders who always put their interests first. As such, those politicians representing the Ijaw people or the Nation at the organs of government should put the interest of the Ijaw Nation first.
That the Ijaw people need to reflect deeply on what they define as fairness, and need to put Ijaw Nation first inorder to move it forward.
That the Ijaw people must hold accountable their sons and daughters, likewise institutions who have betrayed the interests of the Ijaw people.
That the armed struggle which started with the birth of the INC and the IYC against the Federal Government and multinationals is now different, lamenting that it has become a personal struggle compounding the neglect of the Ijaw people, poverty, environmental genocide and general unrest in Ijaw Nation, thereby defying the dividends of democracy, justice and development, which has been dethroned by personal interest.
That if the Ijaw Nation must thrive, the Ijaw people must ensure to preserve their cultural identity, languages, traditions and values for the future generations, as well as promote social cohesion throughout the Ijaw Nation regardless of zonal differences, so as to overcome internal divisions.
The conference also addressed the issue of poverty in the Niger Delta despite being an oil and gas producing region especially within Ijaw communities.
That the governors of the Niger Delta region particularly those from the Ijaw extraction should promote entrepreneurship and educational opportunities for the people through the Ministry of the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the Amnesty Programme.
That the Ijaw people must play politics that is in the interest of the Ijaw people. Its leaders should rise up and form their own political parties if they are to break away from political slavery.
That Ijaw leaders and all well-to-do Ijaw sons and daughters should give support in terms of finance to Ijaw media practitioners who are telling the Ijaw story from the right perspective.
Communique drafting committee members:
Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Info Daily Media
Francis Abai, Pen Global Media
Tare Magbe, Daily Reports Nigeria
Arex Akemotubo, Waffi TV
By: Divine Perezide
Bayelsa State has recently dominated media conversations – for both challenges and remarkable achievements. While reports of insecurity, cult clashes, and kidnapping occasionally surface, the state’s transformation under the administration of Senator Douye Diri continues to overshadow the negatives. From the Bayelsa Central Bus Terminal and the International Stadium to the Power Plant and now Bayelsa Air, the state’s development trajectory bears the mark of purposeful leadership. Indeed, the story of Governor Douye Diri aptly reflects the saying: “A bend in the road is not the end of the road.”
Good governance advocate and Editor-in-Chief of IduwiniVoice, Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has described Governor Douye Diri as not just “The Miracle Governor” but “A Miracle-Working Governor.” According to him, it is rare to see a second-term governor working with such intensity while many of his peers are content showcasing their first-term achievements. “Only a miracle,” he asserts, “can inspire such dedication and passion.”
From the outset, Governor Diri’s journey has carried divine undertones. His emergence as Bayelsa’s fifth democratically elected Governor remains one of the most extraordinary twists in Nigeria’s political history a clear testament to the hand of God. Many across the political and social spectrum agree that his leadership was divinely orchestrated for a special mission, not just for Bayelsa but for the entire Ijaw Nation.
Upon assumption of office, Governor Diri inherited a near-empty treasury. The state could barely afford basic operations, including fueling vehicles and generators in Government House. Yet, rather than despair, he focused on service delivery, setting aside personal comfort for the work at hand.
Just as his administration was finding its footing, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck, shutting down economies and stalling progress. Hardly had the state recovered when the catastrophic 2022 flood one of the worst in Nigeria’s history ravaged communities. Being largely below sea level, Bayelsa was particularly devastated, with rivers and tributaries converging into the Atlantic Ocean across Ofits terrain.
At that point, many believed the governor’s tenure was doomed to fail. However, what seemed like setbacks were, in hindsight, divine tests preparing him for greatness. Each crisis became an avenue for providence to showcase grace. Today, the unfolding developments reveal a leader destined for transformation Generational Leader.
Such leaders appear once in a century figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Chief Ernest Sisei Ikoli, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. They share uncommon humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and people-oriented governance. Governor Douye Diri exemplifies these virtues. Those close to him attest to his calm disposition, forgiving spirit, and tireless devotion to service.
Observers with spiritual insight often say that the spirits of Chief (Sen.) Dr. Melford Okilo, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro dwell within him, guiding his actions and shaping his vision for Bayelsa.
Indeed, the governor’s record speaks volumes. Beyond rhetoric, tangible projects now redefine the state’s landscape:
New Gas Turbines ensuring 24-hour power supply for Yenagoa and environs, Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Otuan-Oporoma Road, New Yenagoa City Development Project, Glory Drive Phases II & III, Polaku-Sabagriea Road, Akaba-Ogu-Okodi Road, 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard Stadium, Angiama-Enewari Road, 9-storey New State Secretariat Complex, Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road, among others
The latest addition – Bayelsa Air – has again stunned Bayelsans and the world. The state recently acquired two aircraft to operate routes from Yenagoa and Port Harcourt to Abuja, Lagos, and other destinations, with plans for additional fleets underway.
This bold move has sparked public admiration and curiosity: Is the governor campaigning for a third term? Though constitutionally impossible, such speculation underscores public awe at his relentless pursuit of progress uncommon trait among second-term an leaders who often retreat into complacency.
With uninterrupted power supply, improved infrastructure, and expanding connectivity, Bayelsa is poised for an economic renaissance. Investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists will soon flood the state, unlocking new opportunities and prosperity.
In all, the people of Bayelsa have every reason to give thanks – for the gift of Governor Douye Diri, the Miracle Governor, and for the dawn of a new era of hope, growth, and transformation.
News
Just In: Ogulagha Community Mourn As Family Set To Lay Late Brateide Karawei To Rest October 10.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Karawei family of Ogulagha Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has announced the burial arrangements for remains of Late Mr. Brateide Karavei, who died on August 6, 2025,at the age of 73.
Until his death, Brateide, a cherished elder of the Karawei family, was a descendant of late Pa. Kalaoru Karawei of Ofou-Ware in Ofougbene Community and Mama Ayan Olukpa Karawei of Egbenebo Idumu in Agge Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was widely regarded as a devoted husband, father,grandfather, uncle, and community figure whose life touched many across Ijaw land and beyond.
According to a statement released by the family and signed by Chief Prefugha Karawei (JP), for the family and Tamarau-Layefa Karawei, for the Children, burial writes will begin on Friday, October 10, 2025. At 8:00AM., his body will leave Vennell Mortuary for his hometown, Ogulagha, where a brief Christian Funeral Service will be conducted by the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM) at his residence in Obuko Idumu, Ogulagha town, followed immediately by interment.
Guests are billed to be entertained later in the evening during an All-night Social Wakekeeping from 7:00PM till dawn, at Ogulagha Hotwater/Garage.
An Outing/Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, by 8:AM, at the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM), Ogulagha.
The death of Elder Brateide marks the departure of a respected figure in Ogulagha, Agge, and Ofougbene leaving behind memories of love, leadership, and community service as the Karawei family express deep sorrow over the home call of their father and patriarchal.
2027: Jerry Gana says Jonathan will Return as PDP Presidential candidate
Abuja – former of information, prof. Jerry Gana, has stirred Nigeria’s political space with a declaration that ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will return as the presidential candidate for the people’s Democratic party (PDP) in 2027.
Speaking during a political gathering, Gana recalled Jonathan’s famous word in 2025 when he started that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. He noted that after Jonathan left office, another president served for eight years, and the current administration has spent two years in power. According to him, Nigerians have now experienced the difference and are calling for Jonathan’s comeback.
I can confirm that former president Goodluck Jonathan will contact the 2027 election as the PDP candidate, Gana affirmed.
The PDP Chieftain further expressed confidence in the resilience of his party, stressing that internal disputes would not derail it’s resurgence. He described the PDP as the most democratic political structure in the country, anchored on grassroots participation and popular support.
Gana maintained that Jonathan’s expected candidacy reflects the will of Nigerians who yearn for stability, utility, and credible leadership as the nation prepares for another election cycle.