Ijaw leader, Gbenekama makes cash donation to IPF’s Secretariat Project, urges others to support

By Stephen Asaba-ase

The dynamics of the eager of Ijaw to launch its presence in the media industry has taken a new twist as the Fiyeowei (Spokesman) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief (Dr.) Godspower Gbenekama among others have endorsed and given financial support to the Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF, ably led by its president Comrade Austin Ozobo to amplify the awareness campaign.

The dogged Ijaw leader while giving his support to IPF’s during a meeting at his residence in Warri on Monday, March 11, 2024, emphasised that the media is key to the growth and development of Ijaw nation and Niger Delta at large.

The National President of IPF, Comrade Austin Ozobo, commended Gbenekama for his enormous contributions in articulating the demands and the development of the Niger Delta, adding that the Gbaramatu chief deserved a merit award and induction into IPF’s college of patrons.

Ozobo further maintained; “We the Ijaw Publishers have come together to speak with one voice and to give weight to our voices that are aimed at protecting the Ijaw interest and that of the Niger Delta Region.

“This we want to achieve by telling the Ijaw story correctly, gone are those days when foreign media branded our freedom fighters as militants, kidnappers, and sea pirates, we have changed that narrative”.

The Fiyeowei of Gbaramatu kingdom, however acknowledged the key roles played by Ijaw media actors during the barbaric attacks and invasion of Ijaw communities in the wake of the Niger Delta agitation for fair share of the region’s resources.

Chief Gbenekama who was impressed with the achievements of IPF made a financial contribution towards the IPF Secretariat project as he promised to introduce the body to prominent leaders who would further boost the organisation’s set goals.

He, however advised the group to be focused as Ijaw nation looked up to them for proper information dissemination.

Members of IPF executives who were available at the meeting included Comrade Onduku Oyinbi, Vice President; Comrade Magbei Tare, Secretary; Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, Public Relations Officer; Comrade Comrade Ugedi Mike, Financial Secretary; Mr Francis Abai, Chief Research Officer, Prince (Dr) Peretengboro Clinton Bibaikefie, Assistant secretary, Hon. MMD Tamsokumbiri, CEO Kpakam Tv, Mr Keneware Emmanuel, CEO, Brigga Media, Mr Tony Demebide, CEO Ultimate report, Ekpegha Tamaraupreye, CEO South -South Daily and others.