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Niger Delta’s Stance on Tax Reform: Support with Caution – INC President
By Perez Bibaikefie
The ongoing debate over Nigeria’s new tax reform has sparked diverse opinions, and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has weighed in on the issue. Speaking at Gatwick Airport, London, Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, INC President, highlighted the benefits and risks of the reform for the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta as a whole.
Prof. Okaba described the reforms as significant, particularly within the context of longstanding calls for resource control and management. He noted that the reform’s implications extend beyond tax policy, addressing “core demands for equity, justice, and prosperity for a people who have endured deplorable conditions despite being the primary source of Nigeria’s oil and gas wealth.”
The Niger Delta, he emphasized, is rich in more than just hydrocarbons. “Our region also boasts of agricultural and eco-tourism resources that have supported industrial development globally,” Okaba said. He praised the reform’s objectives, which include improving tax collection, reducing evasion, offering tax relief to small businesses, simplifying VAT with exemptions for basic food and healthcare, and curbing illicit financial flows. “These measures have the potential to transform the nation,” he stated.
Okaba argued that the reform, if implemented effectively, could reshape revenue allocation from natural resources among federal, state, and local governments. “For fiscal federalism to be truly impactful, states must control their resources while paying appropriate taxes to the central government,” he explained. This arrangement, he asserted, would empower local communities to invest in critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and environmental management.
Such reforms, he added, could address longstanding issues of poverty, inequality, and marginalization in the Niger Delta. “This approach ensures that our people directly benefit from the wealth generated by oil and gas extraction,” he noted.
However, Okaba warned against potential challenges, emphasizing the need for fairness in implementation. “Balancing the divergent interests across regions is crucial. Equity, justice, and transparency must guide this reform to ensure its success,” he cautioned.
While Prof. Okaba acknowledged the reform’s transformative potential, he stressed the importance of vigilance. The Niger Delta’s support for the reform, he concluded, hinges on its fair and equitable application, ensuring that the region’s interests are protected in the spirit of national progress.
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.”