Ijaw publishers congratulate Okpoye, to partner with DESOPADEC on media coverage

Ijaw publishers congratulate Okpoye, to partner with DESOPADEC on media coverage 

The Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF, a body of professional media practitioners of Ijaw extraction, has appealed to Hon. Spencer Okpoye, the Commissioner representing Ijaw nationality in the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, for its engagement and empowerment towards its development and growth.

The IPF made their positions known in an official document presented to the Commissioner during a courtesy visit by members of the IPF and the Delta Ijaw Comrade Community, DICC, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Warri, Delta State.

Speaking on behalf of the IPF, its acting chairman, Comrade Ozobo Austin re-emphasized the roles played by Ijaw publishers in the Ijaw cause but which have not been well received by leaders of the ethnic nationality.

"Without mincing words, the IPF is the body currently shouldering the responsibility of the intellectual struggle for a better deal for Ijaws anywhere in Nigeria. Sir, it may interest you to know that the pen (nonviolence advocacy) have long replaced the violence arms agitation.

"It is sad and unfortunate to announce to you Mr. Commissioner that despite our immerse contribution in the Ijaw cause, Ijaw media practitioners have been sidelined and abandoned unduly. We have suffered the greatest of humiliation, suffocation and intimidation from Ijaws in the course of our resolves to serve our people," Comrade Ozobo added.

Among some of the IPF demands include the engagement of Ijaw media organisations in showcasing DESOPADEC activities, forging a partnership with the Commission for publicity, sponsorship for IPF programmes for sustainability and efficiency, incorporation of Ijaw media organisations into the media fund of DESOPADEC, among others.

The professional body, which earlier congratulated the Commissioner for his well-deserved appointment, appealed to the Commissioner to use his good office to correct the low preference accorded Ijaw media practitioners.

Also speaking on behalf of the Comrade Community, Comrade Binebai Princewill, appealed to the Commissioner to see to the recognition of the comrade community, an umbrella body of all Ijaw youths in activism, for the development of the Ijaw nation while pledging their support to the Commission.

Speaking on behalf of the women, Comr. Tonbra kasikoro thanked His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for appointing their trust worthy son and leader, Hon. Spencer's Okpoye to represent the ljaws in DESOPADEC, stressing that Okpoye is a grassroot oriented servant leader who is well abreast with the pains of his people at heart.

She draw the attention of the honourable commissioner to the perennial flood that is around the corner, and appealed to the commissioner to start preparation ahead the coming flood, saying earlier provision of IDP camps with welfare package will help salvage the suffering of the ljaw people during flood, the statement added.

In his response, Hon. Spencer appreciated the delegation and appeal to them to support Governor  to Oborevwori led administration.

He was so excited at the brainstorming session with the visiting bodies, commended the IPF for their positive contributions towards the Ijaw nation and re-emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the entitlements due to the Ijaws, get to them.

According to him, said:

" As a grassroot person, l know the pains of our people. Am from Opuama Community in Warri North LGA, Delta State. I will try my possible best to attend to your demands, and to ensure even development across the various ljaw kingdoms under my jurisdiction."

" Whatever entitlement belonging to the ljaw people, l will make sure it is given to our people. I discovered that DESOPADEC lacks adequate professional staff, therefore, l will meet with my ED to work out modalities to employ our people."

" I pledge to support your programmes and activities. Meanwhile, l urged you people to report what is correct at all times and avoid propagating fake news. My office is always open to you people," Okpoye stated.

Highpoint of the visit was the formal presentation of a letter of congratulations to the Commissioner on his appointment by the Ijaw Publihers' Forum (IPF).