News
Chief Berry Negerese Honoured for Advancing Peacebuilding Across Africa
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
By: Divine Perezide
Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, was thrown into tension on Monday following the arrest of a traditional figure amid an ongoing leadership dispute in the Tarakiri Clan.
According to information obtained by Iduwini Ibe Reporters, Ebikabowei Samuel, who is known as the Agadagba of Tarakiri Egbesu, was apprehended by security operatives over allegations of impersonating the throne of the Ibenanaowei of Tarakiri Clan, a position currently occupied by His Royal Majesty, Dr Seiyefa Koroye.
The arrest reportedly took place during a coronation-related ceremony in the community. Eyewitnesses said security personnel fired tear gas to disperse the crowd while effecting the arrest, leading to panic among residents and guests at the venue.
Sources within the community further disclosed that military personnel have allegedly imposed a curfew in Toru-Orua, restricting movement in and out of the town until further notice, as a precautionary measure to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
As at the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the security agencies or the Bayelsa State Government regarding the incident or the reported curfew.
See video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/174WNYZHr4/
The Tarakiri Clan has in recent times been embroiled in leadership disputes, raising concerns among stakeholders over peace and stability in the area. Community leaders have called for calm, urging residents to allow lawful processes to prevail while authorities address the matter.
News
Otuaro, Eradiri, Media & Policy Leaders Unite as Ijaw Media Conference Seek to Defend Niger Delta Resources
By: Favour Bibaikefie
As environmental degradation deepens and community livelihoods face growing threats, the second edition of the Ijaw Media Conference is being positioned as a strategic platform to redefine accountability, policy engagement and responsible reportage in the Niger Delta.
Organised by the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), the conference will hold on December 17, 2025, at the KFT Event Centre, Warri, under the theme “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.” The theme reflects increasing concern over pollution, land loss and the long-term sustainability of the region’s land and waterways.
The appointment of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, as Chairman of the conference signals a deliberate effort to align media advocacy with policy leadership. Organisers say protecting the Niger Delta requires strong collaboration between government institutions, host communities and a proactive, development-focused media.
In a statement signed by the planning committee chairman, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, and secretary, Tare Magbei, the IPF stressed that the media must rise beyond routine reporting to actively shape public discourse, demand accountability and amplify credible voices on environmental governance.
Ambassador Dr Godknows Igali, former Nigerian envoy to Scandinavian countries, will deliver the keynote address, expected to offer global perspectives on sustainable resource management. The lead presentation will be delivered by Engr Udengs Eradiri, former president of the Ijaw Youth Council, who is expected to address governance gaps, environmental justice and the responsibility of leaders and the media.
Legislative backing will be evident with the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, attending as Special Guest of Honour, while leaders from the Ijaw National Congress, Ijaw Youth Council, DESOPADEC, academia, waterways security and the private sector will serve as Guests of Honour.
Traditional institutions will also lend moral authority to the conference, with the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Pere Luke Kalanama VIII, serving as Royal Father of the Day, and Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolowei of the Niger Delta, as Father of the Day.
The IPF said the conference aims to strengthen investigative journalism, promote responsible environmental reporting and galvanise collective action to protect the Niger Delta, warning that inaction today could mortgage the future of generations yet unborn.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice