By Favour Bibaikefie

Amatu 1 Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has formally appealed to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to increase employment opportunities for its youths, women, and elders, citing its strategic role as a major host community to critical oil and gas infrastructure.

In a letter dated February 14, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman/CEO of Tantita, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and the Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, the community expressed appreciation for the company’s efforts in safeguarding oil facilities and curbing illegal activities in the Niger Delta and declared that nobody else could have done the job better.

The letter, signed by community leaders including Chairman Independence Neyin and Secretary Christopher Tuerede, acknowledged that Tantita’s operations have contributed significantly to the protection of the environment and preservation of livelihoods in the region.

However, the community raised concerns over what it described as marginalisation in the allocation of employment slots, despite hosting key oil assets such as the EA/EJA Oil Field and the Dodo River (OML 86 and 88), located within close proximity to the community.

According to the community, a major gas pipeline linking the Tunu Node Flow Station to the EA/EJA Oil Field passes through Amatu 1 territory, a factor they said should ordinarily qualify them as a priority for local employment in pipeline surveillance operations.

The community further noted that at least five newly discovered oil wells exist within its territory, alongside several pipelines, some of which are currently subjects of dispute.

Amatu-1 conmunity, the ancestral headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom and the throne residence of the Grand Pere, HRM Ambassador Dr. Joel Ibane (J), Ogiobo IX, said they feel bad that neighbouring communities had benefitted more from Tantita job allocations.

“It is deeply unfair that while neighbouring communities have received a significant number of job slots, including positions for Generals and Coordinators, Amatu 1 was allocated only 10 slots out of hundreds of capable youths,” the letter stated.

The letter further revealed that youths of the community currently shoulder the responsibility of providing security for the royal palace without remuneration, even as those of other kingdoms nearby enjoy paid positions under the surveillance contract.

While reiterating its peaceful disposition, the community stressed that its appeal was not borne out of agitation but a call for Tompolo’s kind consideration.

“We are not condemning Tantita or anyone. We only seek for a better treatment,” the letter noted, adding that the people of Amatu-1 remain law-abiding and committed to the the President Tinubu and Tantita’s drive for peace and stability of the Niger Delta region.

The community appealed for the employment of at least 400 qualified indigenes—both male and female—into Tantita Security Services, in recognition of its status as a primary host community and royal headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom.

They also called on notable leaders like the Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom and the Amananawei of Amatu 1 Community to support and facilitate the request.

The appeal, observers say, underscores ongoing concerns among host communities in the Niger Delta over favourable distribution of opportunities in oil-related security engagements, even as stakeholders continue to emphasise the need for Tantita’s contract to not only be renewed, but expanded.

By Favour Bibaikefie

The family of the late Mama Ayenuwa Onitsha Iyalagha has extended heartfelt appreciation to individuals and groups who showed support during the burial ceremony of their beloved matriarch.

In a statement signed by Elder Simeon T. O. Iyalagha on behalf of the children and family, the family expressed deep gratitude to their extended families, relatives, community members, quarters, compounds, in-laws, friends, colleagues, well-wishers, and the general public for their overwhelming love, solidarity, and participation throughout the period of mourning.

The statement noted that the outpouring of support received before, during, and after the burial ceremony was both comforting and encouraging to the family in their time of grief.

The family also specially acknowledged the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, for his support and presence accompanied by a large number of family and friends, describing his gesture as deeply appreciated.

They prayed that God would richly bless and reward all those who stood by them, adding that their kindness would not be forgotten.

“We are truly grateful for the show of love and support,” the statement concluded.

By Favour Bibaikefie

The management and staff of IduwiniVoice Media Limited have joined growing calls for the Federal Government to renew the pipeline surveillance contract currently handled by , citing its role in improving security across oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta.

In a statement issued by its Chief Executive Officer, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, the organisation said its position was informed by a careful assessment of developments since the surveillance arrangement was introduced.

The media outfit noted that the contract has significantly contributed to curbing pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and environmental degradation—issues that had long undermined oil production and reduced national revenue.

According to the statement, the surveillance framework—anchored on intelligence gathering, community involvement, and rapid response mechanisms—has strengthened the protection of oil infrastructure while actively engaging host communities.

It further observed that the initiative has generated economic opportunities for locals and discouraged illegal bunkering activities, which have historically worsened environmental damage in the region.

While acknowledging ongoing agitations in some quarters for a review of the contract, IduwiniVoice cautioned against disrupting the current structure, warning that any abrupt changes could jeopardise the progress achieved in securing critical oil assets.

The organisation urged stakeholders to explore other viable sectors for economic participation, rather than contesting an arrangement it believes has delivered measurable results.

Bibaikefie stressed that continuity remains key to sustaining stability in the region, calling on the Federal Government to act swiftly in renewing the contract.

“The Niger Delta cannot afford a return to the era of rampant oil theft and environmental degradation. The implications—economic, social, and ecological—are far-reaching,” he stated.

He further appealed to dissenting voices to channel their efforts into lawful and productive ventures, noting that the region holds vast untapped opportunities capable of driving sustainable growth.

The statement concluded with a call for collaboration among stakeholders, emphasizing that long-term prosperity in the Niger Delta would be achieved through innovation, enterprise, and collective responsibility rather than disruption.