Chief Godspower Gbenekama JP, the Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has thrown his weight behind the secretariat project embarked upon by the Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF, for the body of media professionals established to rewrite the Ijaw story in the correct narrative.

Chief Gbenekama gave his support when the Forum officially paid the Niger Delta leader a courtesy call at his residence on Monday, March 11, 2024, to intimate him on the success made so far after its inauguration.

Members of the IPF on the visit include its president, Comr. Ozobo Austin; vice president, Comr. Onduku Oyinbi; secretary, Comr. Magbei Tare; public relations officer 1 and 2, Comr. Ezekiel Kagbala and Prince Peretengboro Klintin, respectively; treasurer, Comr. Ugedi Mike; chief research officer, Mr. Abai Francis. Others are Comr. Tams Okunbiri MMD, Comr. Keneware Emmanuel, Comr. Ekpegha Preye, Comr. Demebide Anthony (MC Akpolokpolo).

The Fiyewei, who during his speech demonstrated that the spirit of activism was still ingrained in his blood stream, posited that it is the responsibility of all Ijaw sons and daughters in the Niger Delta and beyond to improve on the Ijaw Nation by making it better than they met it.

He assured the IPF of his continuous support while also commending the Forum for taking the cause of a better Ijaw Nation through intellectual struggle upon themselves, just as he charged the body to maintain utmost professionalism in its activities.

Earlier, Comr. Ozobo praised Gbenekama for his contributions towards the struggle for a better Niger Delta especially during the era of military siege in the oil-rich but impoverished region, while he described him as a fearless fighter who stood for the entire Niger Delta in the face of oppression and suppression by the government.

Speaking further, the IPF President posited that Gbenekama's path over the years has snowballed into the formation of a media-oriented body to further demand for adequate development and betterment for Ijaws. 

On IPF, Comr. Ozobo intimated the Fiyewei of the objectives of the Forum, some of which are to create sensitization, change the negative narrative ascribed to the Ijaw struggle that is aimed at equity, fairness and justice; among others. As such, going by his (Gbenekama's) experience and integrity over the years, the Fiyewei will be inducted into the College of Patrons of the IPF.

He also listed the IPF need for a secretariat for the Forum, the provisions of equipment to aid Ijaw publishers in the discharge of their duties, advanced training for members to improve and boost quality of reportage, among others.

Chief Gbenekama joins a growing number of distinguished personalities being inducted into the IPF College of Patrons. The Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Limited, Chief Kestin Pondi and the immediate past Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro are the other members of the College so far.

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