Prince Collins Eselemo, a prominent Ijaw leader and historian, has advanced a historical fact that places the Ijaws and an Ijaw figure at the foundation of Nigerian journalism.
Eselemo stated that Ernest Ikoli, an Ijaw nationalist and journalist, played a formative role in the evolution of Nigeria’s media landscape and mentored notable figures, including Obafemi Awolowo, as well as other early journalists who shaped public discourse in pre- and post-independence Nigeria.
Eselemo made the assertion at the second inauguration ceremony of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) held in Warri, Delta State.
Addressing journalists, publishers and stakeholders at the colourful event, the Ijaw leader said the ethnic nationality has every reason to be proud of its intellectual heritage and historical contributions to Nigeria’s media evolution.
According to him, the coming together of Ijaw media practitioners under the IPF umbrella marks a significant step toward shaping narratives and projecting the true image of the Ijaw nation.
“The Ijaw people are proud and highly intelligent. By uniting as publishers and journalists, you are not only strengthening your profession but also making the Ijaw nation proud. Take this as your personal commitment to take the Ijaw people out of ignorance,” he said.
He charged members of the forum to uphold the core ethics of journalism by pursuing truth, fairness and justice in their reportage, stressing that responsible journalism remains a potent tool for societal transformation and regional emancipation.
Eselemo, however, took a swipe at the Federal Government over what he described as the continued neglect of the Niger Delta, lamenting that the Presidential Amnesty Programme has failed to deliver meaningful and sustainable development to the oil-rich region.
He accused the authorities of abandoning the original blueprint of the programme, insisting that its proper implementation would have significantly transformed the socio-economic fortunes of the Niger Delta people.
The historian further asserted that the Ijaw are the original owners of Warri, urging the people to demand due recognition of their historical and ancestral ties to the area.
His remarks drew applause from participants, as he called for unity, historical consciousness and renewed advocacy for justice and equitable development in the Niger Delta.
