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IPF Commends Ijaw Leaders over their Support towards the Maiden Ijaw Media Conference
Pray for God’s blessings, sound health, peace, and wisdom for them to lead Ijaw nation.
By Divine Perezide
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), a leading media organization, has expressed heartfelt appreciation to key stakeholders and supporters who contributed to the success of the inaugural Ijaw Media Conference and Annual Dialogue 2024.
The event, held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, brought together a diverse range of participants, including media professionals, environmental activists, government officials, community leaders, and women’s groups. Themed “Advancing the Quest for Economic and Political Justice,” the conference aimed to highlight the persistent marginalization of the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta region.
In a statement, the IPF acknowledged the immense support of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP); Sir Ken Etete, CEO/Chairman of Century Group; High Chief Collins Cocodia, Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Political Matters; and activist Mama Annkio Briggs. Others recognized include HRM God’spower Oporomor, Elder Asu Beks, High Chief Nengi James, INC Vice President Ernest George Ikoli (SAN), and Hon. Spencer Okpoye, DESOPADEC Commissioner for Ijaw Nationality, among others.
Special thanks were also extended to Comrade Joseph Evah, National Coordinator of the Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG), and Comrade Sheriff Mulade, National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), for their moral and strategic contributions.
Focus on Justice for the Niger Delta
The conference served as a platform to demand economic, environmental, and political justice for the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta region, which continue to face systemic neglect by the Nigerian government despite being a key contributor to the nation’s oil wealth. Participants criticized the exclusion of the region in resource allocation and national development while calling for immediate reforms to address environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and political exclusion.
IPF President Ozobo, in his welcome address, emphasized the need for resource control and self-determination, highlighting the region’s struggles to gain autonomy over its natural wealth. He described the divisions caused by partisan politics within the Ijaw leadership as a significant setback to achieving these goals.
Call for Action
The conference urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to prioritize the development and empowerment of the Niger Delta region, addressing long-standing grievances to ensure justice and equitable resource distribution.
The IPF concluded by praying for divine blessings upon all contributors and reaffirming its commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of the Ijaw people. The success of the maiden conference was described as a significant step toward uniting the Ijaw Nation and amplifying its quest for justice.
By Derick Peretengboro
A community leader and businessman, Comrade Solomon Gbegha, has extended warm birthday wishes to a celebrated personality and seasoned political figure, and mentor, Rt. Hon. Franc Pinapinawei Enekorogha, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, and former Honourable Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Abuja, on the occasion of his gracious birth anniversary.
In a congratulatory message made available to IduwiniVoicenewsdesk, Comr. Gbegha joined family members, friends, and admirers of the celebrant to mark the special day with prayers and goodwill.
According to the statement, “On behalf of my family and associates, I, Comr. Solomon Gbegha, hereby join family, friends, and thousands of your admirers to congratulate you on your gracious birth anniversary.
May God Almighty continue to bless you with sound health, long life, and prosperity.
Happy Birthday.”
The message reflects the deep appreciation and goodwill of Comr. Gbegha and his associates towards the celebrant, who have produced many political and social giants across Delta State, while wishing him continued divine blessings, good health and enduring success.
By Divine Perezide
The Information Officer of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, Comrade Tare Magbei, has announced plans to organise a two-day digital capacity-building programme targeted at young people across the zone.
The training, titled Media Management, Content Creation and AI Prompting Bootcamp, is scheduled to take place from February 13 to 14, 2026, and is aimed at building practical skills in media, digital communication and emerging technologies for Ijaw youths.
According to the organisers, the bootcamp will focus on strengthening young people’s ability to engage in advocacy, storytelling and community mobilisation through modern media tools.
About 50 participants are expected to benefit from the hands-on sessions, which will also introduce them to viable income-generating opportunities within the media and creative industries.
Beneficiaries will be selected from among Information Officers of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in the Western Zone, alongside youths drawn from the 24 clans that constitute the zone.
The initiative, being driven by Comrade Magbei, is described as a strategic effort to enhance youth capacity, promote digital relevance and encourage the effective use of technology in today’s rapidly evolving media environment. It is also seen as a timely intervention to improve employability and strengthen advocacy among Ijaw youths across the Western Zone.
By Derick Peretengboro
The Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Tantita Security Services Limited, Hon. Akpos Seimode, has congratulated the Deputy Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited and Chairman of Maton Engineering Limited, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, on the occasion of his 50th birthday anniversary.
In a goodwill message released to mark the celebration, Hon. Akpos hailed the business executive, stating: “HAPPY GOLDEN JUBILEE BIRTHDAY, BOSS!”
According to the statement, “The Community Liaison Officer, CLO Tantita, Hon. Akpos Seimode, hails deputy chairman Tantita Security Service Limited, cum chairman Maton engineering LTD, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha on his 50th birthday anniversary.”
Describing the celebrant’s personality and impact, Hon. Akpos said, “Matthew Tonlagha is a humble and distinguished son of the Izon Nation,” while praising his “visionary leadership and philanthropic contributions to society.”
He further noted that the celebrant’s leadership approach remains a source of encouragement to many communities, stressing that “his leadership style continues to inspire hope and unity across communities,” and describing him as “a bridge-builder who leads with humility.”
Hon. Akpos also offered prayers and best wishes to the celebrant, saying he wished him “good health, joy, and continued grace as he celebrates the Golden Jubilee.”
He concluded the message with the words: “Happy birthday once again, boss.”