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Leaders Laud Dr. Julius Takeme’s Visionary Leadership at a Grand Birthday Celebration
By Clement Iyebo, January, 26,2025
Burutu______________The birthday celebration of Dr. Julius Takeme, Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government January 25, attracted thousands of well-wishers to the event yesterday, where numerous prominent figures in Burutu local government and beyond turned out to honor the leader.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi, Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency, Hon. Godknows Angele, Commissioner for Housing, Delta State; Chief Emma Amgbaduba, Chairman of the PDP in Delta South Senatorial District, Hon. Ebikeme Clark, Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructural Development and Hon. Asupa Forteta, former Member representing Burutu North in the Delta State House of Assembly.
Other key figures present included High Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolouwei of Obotebe Kingdom; Captain Ziko, Captain Aratan; and several captains and chiefs that graced the occasion.
In his remarks, Hon. Julius Pondi praised Dr. Takeme as a hardworking and visionary leader, expressing the confidence that Burutu would flourish under his stewardship. Hon. Angele, who also commended the council chairman for his leadership, pledged his full support, acknowledging the challenges of the role from his own experience as a former council chairman.
Chief Emma Amgbaduba, speaking on behalf of the PDP, expressed his delight in celebrating Dr. Takeme, who had previously entrusted him with the leadership of the party in Delta South. He congratulated the council chairman on his achievements thus far. Similarly, Hon. Asupa Forteta lauded Dr. Takeme as a builder and pace-setter, emphasizing his dedication to progress.
High Chief Tunde Smooth, in his address, hailed Dr. Takeme’s performance and urged him to continue with his good works. Dr. Tam Odogwu, Chairman of the PDP in Burutu Local Government, also praised the council chairman for his sincere leadership, noting that his administration reflected the wishes of the people.
The leadership of the Burutu Legislative Arm, led by Rt. Hon. Edafe Ekereke, presented Dr. Takeme with a portrait, commending his intelligence and dynamic leadership. According to Hon. Ekereke, Dr. Takeme is one of the best leaders to work with.
The leadership of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Burutu, led by Comrade Andrew Ombe, described Dr. Takeme as a supportive and understanding leader, emphasizing his care for workers. NULGE members also presented the council chairman with a gift as part of their appreciation.
Other groups, including the Julius Takeme Political Vanguard, Julius Takeme Volunteer Force, and the Supervisory Councillors, also presented tokens of goodwill to Dr. Takeme.
In his response, Dr. Takeme expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the event and honored him. He attributed the success of the celebration to his wife, Pastor Mrs. Juliet Takeme, thanking her for the wonderful party and the thoughtful gifts received. Dr. Takeme’s remarks reflected his deep appreciation for the support he received from leaders, colleagues and the people of Burutu local government vowing to continue serving the people with dedication and commitment.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Abuja, Nigeria – In a commendable display of appreciation, ‘Gen.’ Dennis Kpaidia, leader of the Tantita Odimodi Unit, has lauded the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro (PhD.), for his unwavering commitment to peacebuilding and leadership development in the Niger Delta.
This follows the commencement of a three-day day intensive training programme on Peacebuilding, Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation, organised by the PAP in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja.
The training, held in the Federal Capital Territory, brought together selected youth and community leaders from various communities across the Iger Delta. The initiative forms part of the reintegration phase of the Amnesty Programme, aimed at equipping key stakeholders with tools for the effective leadership, dialogue, and nonviolent conflict resolution in order to forestall imminent intercommunity crisis.
Speaking to IduwiniVoice, Kpaidia expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Otuaro over what he described as a “visionary leadership style that prioritizes the growth and peaceful coexistence of the region.”He noted that such training sessions are vital in deepening participants’ understanding of conflict dynamics and in strengthening local structures for sustainable peace.
“This training has opened our eyes to new methods of resolving disputes peacefully and building consensus in our communities. I thank Chief Dr. Otuaro for investing in our future of the Niger Delta youth and for giving us the tolls to lead rightly.” Kaidia State.
The peacebuilding programme is expected to continue over the next two days, with sessions facilitated by security and conflict resolution experts, mediators, and development professionals from both civil and military backgrounds.
As the region continues its journey towards lasting peace and sustainable development, initiatives like this stand out as evidence of the evolving impact of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Otuaro’s stewardship.
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SAVE IJAW NATION (SIN): Official Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
Being Text of Official Statement by the SAVE IJAW NATION (SIN) on the 25th Anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC
Date: July 13, 2025
As the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) celebrates 25 years of existence, Save Ijaw Nation (SIN) joins millions of Niger Deltans to reflect on this journey.
The NDDC was not a gift. It was born from the pain, sacrifice, and strong voice of Niger Delta people—especially the Ijaws. Many gave their lives, ideas, and freedom to demand development and justice for the region.
The Ijaw Nation stood firm in the face of neglect and exploitation. We led the fight against the injustice done to oil-producing communities. From peaceful protests to armed resistance, the struggle drew the attention of the federal government.
The NDDC is one of the results of that fight. It is funded mainly through the 13% derivation from oil wealth. That oil comes from the land and waters of the Niger Delta—mostly from Ijaw communities.
But after 25 years, what do we really have to show?
Most Ijaw villages are still poor and undeveloped. Many have no clean water, no good roads, no healthcare, and no quality schools. Billions of naira have entered the NDDC, but the average villager has seen little to no benefit.
Across the Niger Delta, abandoned NDDC projects fill the land. Some communities only got broken solar lights. The NDDC has become a tool for the powerful—used more for politics and profit than for people and progress.
The Federal Government has also failed. It often owes the NDDC money, delays funding, and breaks the rules for board appointments. At times, it runs the commission with illegal sole administrators, making it easy for corruption to grow.
This is not what the Ijaw people fought for.
Save Ijaw Nation (SIN) calls on the current NDDC board to rise to the occasion. This is a chance to change things.
We need real, lasting projects in our oil-producing communities—not handouts. The NDDC should train our youths in modern skills like Artificial Intelligence, Software Development, Engineering, Coding, Robotics, and Renewable Energy.
We need industries, not just boreholes. We want education that empowers, not just empty certificates. Our young people deserve careers, not crime. We need real development that reaches the creeks and the coastlines, not just the cities.
This 25th anniversary is a time to act, not just to clap. The Niger Delta deserves better. The Ijaw Nation demands it.
Let the next 25 years be different. Let them be about accountability, innovation, and impact. Let the NDDC truly serve the people whose pain gave it life.
Signed,
Comrade Yangaboy Erekedoumene Jonathan
National Convener
Save Ijaw Nation (SIN)
Email: saveijawnation@gmail.com
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SMEs Empowerment: Tompolo Foundation, Tantita & PEB ICT Granduates Lead Branding Drive in Warri
- By Delta Event Media
Aimed at boost small-scale entrepreneurship in Warri, beneficiaries of the Tompolo Foundation and Tantita Security Services—trained by PEB ICT Services—have officially launched a branding awareness campaign aimed at transforming small businesses in Warri.
This initiative follows the successful completion of a three-month intensive training in Graphic Design, where participants were equipped with essential skills in branding, visual communication, and marketing design. Culminating in a high-impact presentation, the campaign is themed: “Building Strong Brand Identity for Small Business Growth.”
The campaign emphasizes six strategic pillars for business branding success:
Defining brand purpose
Understanding the target audience
Creating a unique visual identity
Developing a consistent brand voice
Maintaining a strong digital presence
Building trust through quality and engagement
Speaking during the launch event, team spokesperson ThankGod Ugedi noted, “We are not just leaving with certificates — we are stepping out with a mission. Our group is dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs in Warri with brand identity consultations and awareness strategies that can help them grow and compete.”
The newly trained Graphic Design team extended their heartfelt appreciation to the Tompolo Foundation, Tantita Security Services, and PEB ICT Services, with special acknowledgment to Dr. Paul Bebenimibo and Major Moses for their mentorship and visionary leadership throughout the program.
This campaign marks the beginning of a youth-led movement to reignite business growth in Warri. With branding as their tool and innovation as their drive, these young creatives are positioning themselves as catalysts for economic development in the region.