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Mulade Urge Oborevwori to Honour Edwin Clark, Pays Condolences Visit to Kiagbodo
Niger Delta CSOs Commend Clark’s Contributions to Society
A prominent Niger Delta activist and the National Coordinator for the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has called on Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder, Sheriff Oborevwori, to take meaningful steps in immortalizing the late elder statesman, Chief Sen. Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. Clark, a revered leader in the Niger Delta, passed away on February 17, 2025.
Mulade made this appeal during a condolence visit to Clark’s Hometown of Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area on Monday, March 3, 2025. Accompanied by representatives of various civil society organisations (CSOs) across the Niger Delta, Mulade joined community leaders in paying tribute to the late icon.
In his address, Mulade emphasized the need to preserve Clark’s legacy by naming key public institutions and roads after him. “Chief Clark was more than a leader; he was a symbol of hope for the Ijaw people and a steadfast advocate for justice in the Niger Delta,” He said. “To ensure his contributions are never forgotten, we urge Gov. Oborevwori to consider renaming major roads, educational institutions, and other public facilities in his honour.”
During the visit, members of the CSO delegation shared reflections on Clark’s unwavering commitment to environmental justice, social equity, and the protection of Niger Delta resources. Mulade highlighted Clark’s dedication to advocating for the marginalized, describing him as “a voice for the voiceless and a fearless champion of the oppressed.”
Reflecting on Clark’s influence, Mulade noted his instrumental role in establishing the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and his service as the pioneer Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Minna. He also acknowledged Clark’s efforts in founding the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), which constitutes to represent th interests of the region.
“His legacy must be upheld,” Mulade stated. “As advocates, it is our duty to sustain his vision for the development of our communities and region. We call on Gov. Oborevwori led efforts in immortalizing him by renaming key infrastructures in his memory.”
Several civil society leaders accompanied Mulade on the visit, including Pastor Edewor Egedegbe of the Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, Comrade Taredei Ooh of NDOC Forum, Bayelsa, Chief Monday Ogheneruayitoobor of the Environmental Rights Resource Centre, Jennifer Okotie of the Jenifer Okotie Initiative, Joy Omire Temile of the Initiative for Peace and Stability, Samuel Ideh of CEPEJ, Comrade Benjamin Ajeromuna of the Centre for Human Rights and Public Complaints, and others.
The visit served as both a moment of mourning and a celebration of Clark’s lifelong contributions to education, governance, and the advocacy for the Niger Delta.
Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, has extended heartfelt birthday wishes to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as he marks his 54th birthday.
In a personally signed message released to the press on Saturday morning, Deacon Otuaro, speaking on behalf of the “Oporozawei House,” praised Tompolo’s unwavering dedication to justice and his selfless leadership in the Niger Delta region.
The birthday message, titled “BIRTHDAY MESSAGE TO HIGH CHIEF GOVERNMENT EKPOMUPLO (A.K.A. TOMPOLO),” reads in part:
> “On this special day, on behalf of the “Oporozawei House,” I join the good people of the Niger Delta and well-meaning Nigerians across the globe to celebrate a rare gem, my brother — High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo.
“You are not just a leader by title, but by sacrifice. You have consistently stood for justice, for equity, and for the liberation of our people in the Niger Delta. Your voice has been a shield, your actions a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ijaw spirit.
“As you add another year, I thank God for preserving you. I pray that His wisdom, strength, and protection continue to abound in your life. May He bless you with long life, good health, and greater influence to keep championing the cause of justice and development for our land.
“Today, we celebrate more than just your birthday — we celebrate your unwavering love for your people and your courage to always do what is right, no matter the cost.
“Happy Birthday, High Chief!
Continue to shine as a beacon of hope and a pillar of truth.”
“Signed with brotherly affection,
H.E. Dcn. Kingsley B. Otuaro
The immediate past, Deputy Governor of Delta State”
Deacon Otuaro’s tribute highlights Tompolo’s enduring influence and acknowledges his role as a symbol of hope and integrity within the Niger Delta and beyond.
By Favour Bibaikefie
At Enekorogha Grammar School in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria-an oil-rich state known for federal wealth-the condition education paints a deeply disturbing picture.
Students at school secondary school were recently captured writing their second-term exams while seated on the bare floor. Some leaned against broken concrete blocks-no desks, no chairs, and no proper classrooms in sight. Teachers also struggle without offices or basic teaching tools, working unde appalling conditions.
Founded in the early 1980s, the school has barely received any attention from the government since it’s establishment. Instead of being maintained or upgraded, most of its current structures were either community-built or donated by concerned individuals. The school lacks perimeter fencing, which leaves students and teachers vulnerable, while reptiles roam freely around the premises.
When journalists sought a reaction from the Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, she refused to comment-even when approached in her office-raising serious concerns about the state government’s accountability.
According to Mr. Peter Ganagana, the Chairman of the Enekorogha Education committee, the Delta State government has never contributed a single building to the school. “The only six-classroom bock was built by a private individual,” he explained. “Other parts were put together by the community with little resources. Yet, over 80% of our students don’t have desks to sit on.”
Despite now having a students population of over 350, the school one has six government appointed teachers and one principal. To make up for the shortfall, local residents pay stipends to volunteer teachers who are helping to keep Education going in the face of government abandonment.
“The students are writing their second-term exams now” Mr. Ganagana noted, “and many are doing so sitting on the floor. The only desks in the school were donated by a kind old student-just 50 in total. That’s all we have.”
Multiple appeals and complaints have been sent to both the Post-primary Education Board and the Ministry of Education, but so far, there has been no meaningful response. Officials have visited for inspection, but their words have led to no real change.
The buildings themselves are in a dangerous state-ceilings are falling in, roofs have been blown off, windows and doors are missing, and some classrooms can no longer be used at all. That such a learning environment exists in a state with massive federal allocations and oil revenue is nothing short of disgraceful.
Attempts to contact the principal were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off. Teachers also declined to comment, citing restrictions on speaking to the press.
This situation is a devastating indictment of the Delta State Governor and government’s priorities. In a state blessed with immense natural wealth, children who eager to learn are being denied even the most basic conditions for education. It is not only a betrayal of their rights- it is a failure of leadership.
The silence from the officials, especially from those tasked with overseeing Education, is both telling and unacceptable. The government must act urgently. The lives and future of these students should not continue to be disregarded because of negligence and bureaucratic indifference.
Source: Golden Nation Multimedia
News
28,000bpd Ogidigben Oilfield Shutdown by Itsekiri Youth, Under PINL Not Tantita’s Coverage – Tompolo
By Divine Perezide
High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has disassociated his company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, from the recent protest and shutdown of an oil facility in Warri, Delta State.
Speaking through his media aide, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo PhD., Tompolo clarified that the affected oil field, located in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area, does not fall within Tantita’s jurisdiction. He stressed that the facility is under the protection of another security firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), which is owned by the Olu of Warri.
“It is not only Tantita that is doing the security job. The Olu of Itsekiri’s company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, is also covering that area,” Bebenimibo explained. He further stated, “The Ogidigben oil field is not under our watch but under Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a firm linked to the Olu of Itsekiri.”
The facility, currently operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings following its acquisition from Shell, reportedly produces around 28,000 barrels of oil per day. It was shut down on Wednesday by aggrieved members of the Itsekiri community. The protesters, who carried placards, voiced their dissatisfaction over alleged marginalisation in ward delineation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In response to the incident, Bebenimibo emphasized that the protest and the shutdown had no connection to Tompolo or Tantita. “Nobody dares Tantita. The issue has nothing to do with Tantita and Tompolo,” he stated firmly.
The protest remained peaceful, but it successfully brought operations at the facility to a standstill, underlining ongoing tensions related to political representation in the region.