The President of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), Comrade Ozobo Austin, has been sworn in for a second term, with a renewed pledge to strengthen the forum and advance the collective aspirations of the Ijaw Nation.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground in Warri, Delta State, attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, 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; spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP); Amb. Princewill Binebai; Hon. Kofee Amasuomo; and General Godstime Ogidigba, National Chairman of the Forum of Delegates of the Third Phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Also in attendance were Chief Monday Keme, Chief Yusuf Edegbene, representatives of trade unions, women and civil society groups, business leaders, pressure groups, and members of the fourth estate of the realm.
In his acceptance speech, Ozobo called for mutual respect and unity among Ijaw youths, urging them to embrace love, humility and diligence. He cautioned against arrogance often associated with sudden wealth, stressing that sustainable progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of discipline and collective responsibility.
“This is not the time for divisive governance, but for inclusive leadership that prioritises development across our communities,” he said, appealing to Ijaw leaders to close ranks in the interest of the region.
The IPF president unveiled his administration’s blueprint for the next two years, which includes plans to establish a permanent secretariat, set up a printing press, and launch indigenous Ijaw radio and television stations aimed at amplifying the voice and culture of the people.
In a passionate call to preserve history, Ozobo urged that portraits of the late Ijaw nationalist, Jasper Adaka Boro, be displayed in every Ijaw home. He maintained that Boro’s legacy should be honoured beyond ceremonial youth commemorations, describing him as a symbol of courage and self-determination in the Niger Delta struggle.
He expressed appreciation to key supporters, including Dr. Otuaro, Amb. Ukori, Amb. Mulade, Amb. Shedrack Agediga, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba and Chief Ningi James, among others, for their moral and financial backing.
Ozobo assured members that his second tenure would consolidate the gains of the forum while promoting peace, unity and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
