A frontline traditional ruler in the South-South region and the Pere of Akugbene-Mein kingdom in Bomadi Local Government Area, His Majesty Luke Kalanama VIII, has tasked Niger Delta people to “embrace sustained peace and harmony to engender socio-economic development of the region.”
The revered monarch who is the first Vice Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Council emphasized that “it is only when the people of the Niger Delta embrace sustained peace that we can attract the required good things of life from government and the multinational agencies.”
His Majesty Kalanama VIII made the assertions in Ogunu, Warri, Delta State on Monday on the occasion of the formal commissioning of the ‘Niger Delta Media Centre,’ a state-of-the-art edifice housing a radio and television station cum media training institute established by Gbaramatu Voice organization.
The traditional ruler, who was visibly happy at the event paid glowing tributes to the founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, “for opening up the Niger Delta region for greater developments to come.”
He also acknowledged “all those who meant well for the Niger Delta people, notably the National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, and all others, for their sustained advocacy for peace as a panacea for sustainable growth in the Niger Delta, over the years.”
The royal father then prayed “for good health and long life for Tompolo and all people of goodwill in the Niger Delta, saying that “their dream of liberating the region shall be achieved.”
The monarch spoke further, “There is no development in an environment riddled with crisis. It is only peace that can guarantee development and safety. So, it behoves us as Niger Deltans, to encourage ourselves to live in peace and harmony. It is only then that we can attract the good things that are needed for socioeconomic development.
“In a situation where we keep vandalizing government assets such as oil pipelines and other public properties within our areas, we are asking them to go away.
“So, we must continue to do good things that will attract multinationals to come and develop the region; and then, our sons and daughters too will also do so.
“My message to Niger Deltans, in a nutshell, is that we embrace peace at all times. We must as a matter of utmost priority, embrace peace, no matter the provocation. We must embrace peace so that we can grow.”
The monarch continued, “My prayers have been with Gbaramatu Voice. I am trusting God that the dedication and unwavering desire to take this to the next level is very paramount as the media space is what we need to propagate our desires, feelings and aspirations of the Niger Delta.
“We see good things in Abuja; we see good things in Lagos; so, we must as a matter of urgency, take back what belongs to us.
“I must also pay glowing tributes to Tompolo who has opened up the Niger Delta region for greater things to come and for all who are working with him. All we pray for is good health and long life for him and all others so that the dream of liberating the Niger Delta is achieved.
“We must tell our story and we can only tell our story when we have our own brand. We who own the story will tell the story for the outside world to know that we are the ones laying the golden eggs and we must also partake in it.
“While also thanking CEPEJ boss, High Chief Sheriff Mulade, it is noteworthy that he was like a lone voice crying in the wilderness. But today, that voice is no longer alone. Others have joined him. So, the voice that was once alone, for instance, now has multiple voices and it is echoing, resonating with the Nigerian state, and of course, with the global world”.
Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Ogunu community, Sir Ayiwe Newton, assured the stakeholders of an enabling environment for the newly established projects, noting that “Ogunu has been home to multinationals and other successful investment outfits.
Speaking in the same vein, a prominent Ijaw chieftain, High Chief Wellington Okrika, the pioneer Chairman of Delta State Oil Producing and Development Commission rallied support for the newly-commissioned Niger Delta Media Centre and its management to enable the organization to achieve its mission objectives.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of GbaramatuVoice, Mr Jacob Abai, had earlier in a welcome address shed light on the vision of the organization, which, according to him, is “to reshape the media landscape of the Niger Delta, empower its people, and provide opportunities that drive progress and celebrate our rich culture.”
He said, “The Centre is not just infrastructure, it’s a symbol of hope, growth, and endless possibilities designed to inspire creativity, innovation, and opportunity.”