Delegation of Ijaw publishers pay condolence visit to Barrister Smooth over demise of band members

By Esegha Miracle

Ijaw media practitioners under the umbrella of The Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF, a professional body of Ijaws writers have paid a condolence visit to Barrister Smooth, the paddle of Niger Delta to commiserate with him over the death of five crew members in Abuja-Lokoja road.

The delegation visited him at his residence, the popular SmoothVille Studios at Effurun, Delta State on Monday

The IPF delegation was led by its acting Chairman Comrade Ozobo Austin (Publisher of Congress newspaper) and secretary, Mr Tare Magbei (Publisher of Daily Report Nigeria).

Other members in the delegation included Mr Abai Francis (PENGlobal), Mr Onyinbi Onduku (Niger Delta Mirror), Mr Mingo Friday (EgbemaVoice), Comr. Anthony Demebide (Ultimate Report Nigeria), Comr. Kagbala (Focal Point Report), and Comr. Tamaraupreye Ekpegha (South-South Daily).

Speaking on behalf of IPF, Comrade Ozobo said that the tragedy that befell the highlife music maestro is one that touched every Ijaw son and daughter, adding that there wasn’t anyone who wasn’t shocked by the tragic incident in Ijaw and Niger Delta.

He, however, charged the Born Singer to be strong and that he should cry no more as the Ijaw Nation including the IPF is solidly behind him in this trying time, particularly as the media had been playing its part by live streaming and publishing the events and visits as part of their contributions.

The IPF acting chairman also hailed the Paddle of Niger Delta for the roles he played in changing the narratives of the Niger Delta region through his songs which are sources of inspiration to many.

Other highlights of the visit included the entertainment of IPF members and a group photograph session with Barr. Smooth.

Recall, six band members of the Ijaw Highlife musician including the upcoming Queen of Highlife in the Niger Delta, Ikesima Brown, died in a fatal car accident along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway on Sunday (June 11, 2023).