The immediate past chairman of the defunct regional development council, the Egbema-Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF), Ambassador Jude Ukori (JP), has made a huge financial donation in support of the secretariat project of the newly inaugurated Ijaw Publishers' Forum.

The renowned leader from Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State made the donation during a 'Thank You' visit by a delegation of the Forum at his residence in Warri on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

Amb. Ukori, during the official visit, also emphasised on the need of Ijaw people to project the development of the Ijaw Nation, noting that the formation of IPF was a greatest achievement and the right choice for the Ijaw Nation.

He said, "The coming together of Ijaw media bodies is highly commendable and worth encouraging to grow. I am making an instant donation of cash (amount withheld) to support the secretariat project of the body," he vowed.

Continuing further, he said, "I am with you and I appeal that Ijaw leaders should support the body. I pray God will touch the heart of the leaders to support this body.

"My support is fully with this body to enable it provide the needed voice and platform for Ijaw Nation to speak out.

"By the grace of God, we will work together. I urge this body to imbibe and uphold the ethics of the media profession," he appealed.

The president of the Forum, Comr. Ozobo thanked Amb. Ukori and appreciated him for gracing the IPF inauguration and his benevolence towards the media body, adding that the IPF will project good and generous leaders.

"On behalf of the body, I want to appreciate you for gracing IPF inauguration and today you are making financial contributions to support the body. Thank you so much; we are proud of you.

"The IPF has made a declaration that the era of referring to freedom fighters as militants is gone," Comr. Ozobo further stated the demonstration of the Forum's will to correct the negative branding of Ijaw agitators by foreign media.

The IPF President also posited that the position of IPF was to provide an enabling environment for investors to come and invest in Niger Delta and to provide a platform for rapid development of the Ijaw Nation.

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