By Favour Bibaikefie

The Chairman of the IPF  Inauguration Ceremony of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) Second National Executive Council, Ambassador Shedrack Agediga, has called on Ijaw media practitioners to take deliberate control of their narrative, warning that allowing others to tell their story amounts to surrendering their future.

Agediga, who also serves as Chairman of the Delta State Scholarship and Bursary Board, made the assertion while addressing dignitaries and stakeholders at the colourful inauguration ceremony of the Forum. According to him, “When others tell your story, they define your reality,” stressing that the media remains not merely an instrument of communication but a strategic platform for resistance, advocacy, and empowerment.

Describing himself as a beneficiary of the Niger Delta struggle, Agediga underscored the need for practical emancipation of the region. He lamented the paradox of oil-rich Ijaw communities grappling with poverty, environmental degradation, and inadequate infrastructure, despite decades of resource exploitation.

He explained that true emancipation must be holistic — cutting across political, economic, environmental, and cultural spheres — and maintained that reclaiming the narrative is central to that process.

The well-attended ceremony drew traditional rulers, prominent leaders, and key stakeholders from across the Niger Delta, reinforcing the significance of the gathering.

Agediga’s message resonated strongly: the Ijaw people must become the authors of their own story in order to shape a just and prosperous future.

By Favour Bibaikefie

The inauguration of the new leadership of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) in Warri was marked not only by ceremony but by a bold declaration of vision for the future of Ijaw media and identity.

At the Chief Tunde Smooth Playground in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri, Delta State, Comrade Ozobo Austin and members of his executive team were sworn in for another two-year term, signaling continuity in leadership and renewed strategic focus. The event attracted a cross-section of stakeholders from the Niger Delta, including the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro; National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Amb. Dr. Sheriff Mulade; Ijaw Youth Council spokesman, Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP); General Godstime Ogidigba, and other community, political, and civil society leaders.

Rather than dwell on political rhetoric, Ozobo used the platform to outline a transformative media blueprint. He unveiled plans to secure a permanent secretariat for the Forum, establish a functional printing press, and launch indigenous Ijaw radio and television stations—initiatives aimed at strengthening the Ijaw narrative and expanding the region’s media footprint.

He stressed that leadership at this time demands collaboration and inclusiveness, urging stakeholders to rise above division. Addressing youths directly, Ozobo encouraged discipline, humility, and productive engagement, warning against the pitfalls of unchecked pride and sudden affluence.

Ozobo also paid homage to Niger Delta icon Jasper Adaka Boro, advocating that his legacy be preserved as a unifying symbol across generations, not confined to ceremonial remembrance.

The IPF President closed his speech by thanking key supporters and partners for their continued encouragement and backing, reaffirming the Forum’s commitment to peace, unity, and sustainable development in the Ijaw Nation.

By Favour Bibaikefie

Comrade Ozobo Austin has officially commenced his second tenure as President of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), taking the oath of office alongside members of the newly elected executive committee. He reaffirmed his commitment to the Forum’s ideals and the advancement of the Ijaw Nation.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground in Ogbei-ijoh, Warri, Delta State, drawing prominent personalities and stakeholders from across the Niger Delta. Among those in attendance were the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro; the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief Amb. Dr. Sheriff Mulade; the spokesperson of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Amb. Princewill Binebai; Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP); Hon. Kofee Amasuomo; General Godstime Ogidigba, National Chairman of the Forum of Delegates of the Third Phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme; Chief Monday Keme; Chief Yusuf Edegbene; as well as representatives of trade unions, women and civil society groups, business leaders, and media practitioners.

In his inaugural remarks, Ozobo emphasized the need for unity and collective progress among Ijaw leaders, stating that the moment calls for governance rooted in inclusion rather than division. He encouraged young people to embrace humility, discipline, and diligence, cautioning against the negative effects of pride that can arise from sudden financial success.

Outlining his agenda for the next two years, the IPF President revealed plans to establish a permanent secretariat, set up a printing press, and launch indigenous Ijaw radio and television platforms. He appealed to Ijaw sons and daughters at home and abroad to rally behind the Forum’s mission of fostering peace, cohesion, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

Ozobo also honored the memory of Jasper Adaka Boro, describing him as a foundational figure in the Niger Delta struggle. He urged leaders to preserve Boro’s legacy and ensure that his remembrance transcends youth-related activities alone.

The IPF leader expressed appreciation to key supporters, including Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Amb. Jude Ukori, Chief Sheriff Mulade, Amb. Shedrack Agediga, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, Chief Ningi James, and others, for their encouragement and financial backing.