On behalf of the National Union of Izon-Ibe Students (NUIS), College of Education Warri (COEWA) Chapter, I, Comr. Abednego Douperegha, President of the Union, sincerely and wholeheartedly express our profound gratitude to every individual, organization, traditional ruler, stakeholder, sponsor, lecturer, student, alumnus, volunteer, and lover of the Izon nation who devoted their precious time, financial resources, wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering commitment to the success of this year’s Izon Cultural Festival and the promotion of Izon Language Studies.

Your sacrifices have gone far beyond supporting an event. They represent a lasting investment in preserving our identity, safeguarding our rich cultural heritage, and ensuring that the Izon language, traditions, values, and customs are passed on to future generations.

Through your generosity, encouragement, and steadfast support, the vision of revitalizing the Izon language and culture continues to flourish year after year. Your contributions have demonstrated that when we unite in the preservation of our heritage, we can build a stronger future for the Izon people.

First and foremost, I humbly and wholeheartedly appreciate High Chief Engr. Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi, the Ibe-Benimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom and Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional commitment to the preservation and revitalization of the Izon language. Through his visionary leadership, generosity, and passion for education, he is currently sponsoring hundreds of Izon Language students at the College of Education, Warri, and I am privileged to be one of the beneficiaries. His remarkable intervention has restored hope to many students and has provided opportunities for young Izon scholars to pursue their education. His contribution is more than financial support; it is a legacy of cultural preservation and educational empowerment that generations yet unborn will remember.

I also sincerely appreciate Dr. Newman Kusimi, Managing Director of NAKUS Group of Companies, for his passion, love, and unwavering commitment to supporting students. During the Cultural Day celebration, he generously awarded ten (10) scholarships to ten Izon students to support their academic pursuits. This extraordinary gesture demonstrates his commitment to education, youth empowerment, and the future of the Izon people. We deeply appreciate this investment in the lives and education of our students.

I also wish to sincerely appreciate Dr. Ajueyitse Martins Otuedon, JP, Dean of Students’ Affairs, whose unwavering support, guidance, encouragement, and commitment have sustained this noble programme throughout our three years of studying the Izon language. His dedication to students’ welfare, academic excellence, and the success of Izon Language Studies has played a vital role in keeping this initiative alive. Sir, we sincerely appreciate your fatherly support and guidance.

We also extend our deepest appreciation, in no particular order, to the following distinguished individuals and stakeholders whose contributions helped make the Cultural Day celebration a success: Engr. Michael Tonlagha, High Chief Esther Bibiowei, A.K.A. Warri Mama, Chief Engr. Dickson Ogugu, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, Commissioner for Housing and Youth Development, Chief Tunde Smooth, Amb. Shedrack Agediga, Hon. Julius Takeme (PhD), Chairman, Burutu LGA, Comr. Goodluck Epkebide, Stakeholder Chairman, Comr. Stephen Epiri, Comr. Benjamin Oyakoghan, Comr. Columbus Azor.

We equally appreciate the following students, executives, volunteers, friends, and supporters for their dedication and contributions: Ruth Forcados, Joseph T. Fekonbogha, Sandra Oguma, Willing Sunday, Wisdom Christopher, Ezoukonyeringha French, Tuesday Maureen, Columbus Azor, Bifugha Hope, Ejiro Stella Mesahrun, Women Leader, Ruth Deborah Elisha, Fiemotongha Ebiowou David, National VP. Tarifagha Ama-Ebi, Mr. Nablogs Ebipade Gideon, Bebenimibo Emmanuel, Lovina Macbeth, Menge Ebikeniye, Bournvita Tamarau-Ebi, Ojogun Natasha, Akidi Joy, Okpe Joy, Faith Weleke, Ekanpou Paul, Honour Oweipade, Young Tamaraupreye, Jackson Egolukumo, Commissioner Aridi, Ebilade Bezitha, Alimagi Tamaraulayefa, Ekanpou Ebiakpo, Jerusalem Johnson, Gift Monday, Cajatan Agbegha, Precious Eguwe, Hon. Timidi Ariri, Comr. Jude Egbedi, President Emeritus Josiah Precious, Collins Ebidei Ibamugha, Clement Fun-Ebi, Clementina.

There are many other fathers, mothers, patrons, stakeholders, lecturers, alumni, friends, organizations, volunteers, and supporters whose names may not be mentioned individually due to time and space. Nevertheless, your contributions are deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten.

Whether you contributed financially, physically, intellectually, spiritually, materially, or through words of encouragement, please know that your kindness and sacrifices made a meaningful difference.

The success of this year’s Izon Cultural Festival is a collective achievement. It is proof that our culture is still alive, our language can be revitalized, and our heritage can be preserved when we work together.

As we continue to promote Izon Language Studies and preserve our cultural identity, we pray that God Almighty will continue to bless, protect, strengthen, and prosper every person who has contributed to this noble cause.
May your investments in the lives of our students and the preservation of the Izon nation produce fruits that will benefit generations yet unborn.

On behalf of NUIS, COEWA Chapter, I say a very big THANK YOU to you all.
Long live the Izon Nation!
Long live Izon Language Studies!
Long live our rich Izon Culture and Heritage!
Long live NUIS, COEWA Chapter!

Signed:
Comr. Abednego Douperegha
President, National Union of Izon-Ibe Students (NUIS)
College of Education Warri (COEWA) Chapter