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Chief Berry Negerese Honoured for Advancing Peacebuilding Across Africa

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By Divine Perezide

In a significant move to celebrate good leadership and impact, Hon. Chief Berry Negerese, Principal of the Wind of Progress Forum, was on Thursday, June 12, 2025, honoured with the Award for Immense Contributions to Genuine Peacebuilding in Africa. The recognition, conferred by EYE-ON-SECURITY, a distinguished consortium of seasoned journalists, formed part of the highly anticipated 2nd Annual Peace and Security Summit/Awards held at the NUJ Press Centre in Asaba, Delta State.

Represented by top official of the Forum, Chief Negerese was praised for his visionary grassroots empowerment programmes and enduring efforts to promote sustainable peace and development across the Niger Delta, Nigeria, and the African continent at large.

This was made public in a statement signed by Negerese’s Media Aide, Yeine Lucky Dennis, which reads thus in full:

𝗘𝗬𝗘- 𝗢𝗡- 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬

𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧~ 2𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑆𝑢𝑏𝑚𝑖𝑡/𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑

“𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚

“𝙏𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙨. 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙚 12𝙩𝙝, 2025

“𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲, leader and founder of the Wind of Progress Forum, Earlier today was honoured with the prestigious Award for Immense Contributions to Genuine Peacebuilding in Africa. The award, presented by 𝑬𝒀𝑬- 𝑶𝑵- 𝑺𝑬𝑪𝑼𝑹𝑰𝑻𝒀—a select team of seasoned journalists—was part of the second edition of the Peace and Security Summit/Awards held at the NUJ Press Centre, Mariam Babangida Way, Asaba, Delta State. Representing Hon. Chief Berry Negerese at the ceremony were Barr. Japan Udoji, Director General of the Wind of Progress Forum; Hon. Victor Ebiyekon, Secretary of the forum; and Mr. Ekpama P. Doubra, Media Personnel for the forum.

“During his remarks at the event, Barr. Udoji Japan emphasized that the summit’s theme—”Entrepreneurship Development: A Necessary Prerequisite for Sustainable Peace in Africa”—resonates deeply with the founding vision of Chief Negerese. He highlighted the impact of the Wind of Progress Annual Women Skill Acquisition Programme, which has empowered women across all Local Government Areas in Bayelsa State with training in vital skills such as catering, fashion design, makeup artistry, event decoration, and hairdressing. Barr. Udoji praised the organizers for recognizing the transformative initiatives led by Chief Negerese, which continue to foster peace and economic resilience across the Niger Delta region and beyond.

“The well-attended summit brought together an array of esteemed dignitaries and stakeholders in peace and security. Notable guests included H.E. Chief Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor of Delta State; Obi Chief Nwanze Odua, the Odogwu of Asaba; H.R.M. Obi Collins Alioma Ezenweali Ozoji Igwe I, the Obi of Otolokpo Kingdom; Chief Peter Onye Ejiniwe, the Ojah of Onicha Uku Kingdom; Dr. (Mrs.) Alice Atuwo, Executive Secretary of Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund; Chief Barr. David Ogbodo (AIG rtd), Chairman of Delta State Public Procurement Council; and Dr. Patrick Ugboaku of the University of Delta, Agbor, who served as guest speaker. Security officials and government representatives also graced the occasion, including CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, Delta State Commissioner of Police; SP Bright Edafe, the PPRO for Delta State; Hon. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, PhD, Executive Chairman of Oshimili South LGA; and Hon. Friday Voke, Executive Chairman of Isoko South LGA, among others.”

 

𝒀𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒔

𝑫𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓

𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂/𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚

𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒖𝒎

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Ijaw Leaders Endorse Tinubu, Oborevwori for Second Terms at Bomadi Rally

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By Favour Bibaikefie

BOMADI, DELTA STATE — Prominent Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers and political stakeholders have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for second terms in office, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced at a large gathering held in Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area, during a grand reception organised by Delta Ijaw political leaders in honour of the governor.
The event drew thousands of Ijaw indigenes and key figures from across the Niger Delta, including the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Brutu Otuaro, who led the mobilisation efforts alongside other stakeholders.
The motion for endorsement was formally moved by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, and seconded by Delta State lawmaker Hon. Kenneth Oboro. It was subsequently ratified through a voice vote presided over by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Also present was Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who commended the Delta State administration for its development-focused approach in Ijaw communities.
In recognition of his contributions, traditional rulers under the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum conferred the chieftaincy title “Izonebimiewei”—meaning “the man who does good for the Ijaw people”—on Governor Oborevwori. The monarchs described the honour as a reflection of his infrastructural strides and commitment to the welfare of riverine communities.
Among the royal fathers in attendance were the Ebenana-owei of Ogulagha Kingdom, HRM Joseph Timiyan; Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Pere Kalanama VIII; and several other paramount rulers across Ijaw kingdoms in Delta State.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development. He noted that significant investments—running into hundreds of billions of naira—had already been made in infrastructure and social development across Ijaw areas.
According to him, the continued support of the Ijaw people would be reciprocated through further projects and political inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Otuaro urged the people to sustain their support for the current administration at the federal level, citing ongoing development initiatives in the Niger Delta. He pointed to key interventions, including large-scale infrastructure projects and strengthened institutional support for regional agencies.
He emphasized that continuity in leadership would consolidate the gains recorded so far, urging members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, explained that the reception was convened as a demonstration of appreciation for the governor’s developmental achievements in Ijaw communities.
The event also witnessed a strong turnout of supporters aligned with the pro-Tinubu campaign structure, further underscoring the growing political momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The endorsement marks a significant political statement from the Ijaw bloc in Delta State, signalling early alignment and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Negerese Emerges City Boy Movement Coordinator for Ekeremor, Pledges Service

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By Charity Ebi

Hon. has formally assumed office as the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, pledging dedication to service and community development.

Speaking following his inauguration, Negerese described his new role as a call to responsibility and commitment rather than a mere title. He assured residents that his leadership would focus on delivering impact and fostering hope across the local government.

He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine grace and acknowledged the support of key political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, , and his deputy, . He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , for his encouragement and backing.

The newly inaugurated coordinator further thanked the leadership of the City Boy Movement, particularly the State Director-General, , as well as members of the organisation for entrusting him with the responsibility.

Negerese paid special tribute to the people of Ekeremor, including youths, women, and elders, for their support and participation in the process leading to his emergence.

He pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote development, empower residents, and strengthen unity within the area, expressing optimism about building a more vibrant and progressive Ekeremor under his coordination.

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Igali Welcomes Tinubu to Bayelsa, Applauds Diri’s Infrastructure Drive

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By Favour Bibaikefie

YENAGOA — Former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Godknows Boladei Igali, has commended the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bayelsa State, describing it as a significant step in advancing development efforts in the Niger Delta.
In a statement released on Friday, Igali said the President’s presence in the state for the commissioning of major projects underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on infrastructural growth in the region. He characterized the visit as timely and impactful, noting that it reflects a broader commitment to addressing development needs in oil-producing communities.
The former envoy also praised the administration of Governor Douye Diri for delivering key projects designed to enhance living standards and stimulate economic activities across the state. According to him, the ongoing infrastructure initiatives represent meaningful progress in Bayelsa’s development trajectory.
The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Fo observed that the newly completed projects are expected to improve connectivity, boost commercial activities, and open up employment opportunities, particularly for young people in the state.
Igali further urged residents to accord the President a warm reception, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective support for policies that drive national development.
President Tinubu’s visit includes the inauguration of several strategic projects executed by the state government, a move widely viewed by stakeholders as strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational authorities in fostering sustainable growth.

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