The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has held its 2nd Annual Media Conference in Warri, Delta State, calling for urgent and collective action to safeguard the Niger Delta’s natural resources for future generations.
The conference, which drew stakeholders from across the Niger Delta and beyond, was held under the theme: “Safeguarding the Niger Delta Natural Resources for Future Generations.”
In his welcome address, the National President of IPF, Comrade Ozobo Austin, stressed that the continued degradation of the Niger Delta environment posed a grave threat to the survival, livelihoods and future of the region’s people. He decried the impact of oil theft, environmental pollution, deforestation and what he described as the persistent exploitation of host communities by oil exploration companies and government institutions.
According to him, oil pollution has destroyed fishing and farming activities, worsened poverty and shortened life expectancy in the region. He warned that crude oil theft and pipeline sabotage amounted to stealing the collective wealth of the Niger Delta, thereby fuelling unemployment and underdevelopment.
“Our resources are our future and our environment is our wealth. Pollution does not only destroy our land and waters, it shortens our lifespan. Oil theft and sabotage rob our people of opportunities and deepen poverty in the region,” Austin said, urging international and indigenous oil companies to prioritise the well-being of host communities and adopt environmentally responsible practices.
The IPF president also traced the history of the forum to October 2023, noting that it was established to promote the Ijaw struggle, defend Ijaw identity and ensure fair and balanced representation of the Ijaw nation in the media space. He said the forum had made remarkable progress in correcting negative narratives and countering what he described as deliberate blackmail and misrepresentation of the Ijaw people.
“There is no gainsaying that IPF has restored balance in the media. The Ijaw nation is now more visible and better represented than ever before. The rate at which foreign and local media battered our identity has reduced significantly since we took charge,” he stated.
Austin further appealed to Ijaw leaders and stakeholders to support the efforts of Ijaw-owned media platforms, noting that other ethnic nationalities had long established strong media presence to protect their interests.
“Our mission is to defend, advocate and propagate the Ijaw and Niger Delta self-determination struggle, and to build dependable media institutions for the Ijaw nation, so that our people will never be left voiceless in critical moments,” he added.
The conference attracted several high-profile personalities, including the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, High Chief Dennis Otuaro; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; former Nigerian Ambassador and PANDEF National Leader, Amb. Godknows Igali; President of Egbema Brotherhood High Chief Lawuru Promise; INC Publicity Secretary, Chief Oyakemeagbegha Izonebi; Chief Wellington Bobo; Former Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba; IYC National Spokesman, Binebai Yerin Princewill; Former President IYC, Comrade Udengs Eradiri; also, representatives of Ijaw women groups, youth organisations, student leaders and other stakeholders.
Comrade Austin expressed appreciation to donors, sponsors and participants, assuring that IPF would continue to champion media excellence, environmental justice and the collective interests of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta at large.
The conference featured discussions aimed at addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges confronting the Niger Delta, with a view to developing sustainable solutions for the preservation of its natural resources, cultural performances, as well as formal presentation of certificate of patronship to IPF patrons.
