By Ejiro Nesisa
A traditional ruler in the South-South region, Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom in Bomadi Local Government Area, His Majesty Luke Kalanama VIII has sued for peace in the Niger Delta as that would pave way for socio-economic development of the area.
The Royal Father stated this in Ogunu, Warri, Delta State on Monday on the occasion of the formal commissioning of ‘Niger Delta Media Centre’, a state-of-the-art edifice housing a Radio and Television Station cum Media Training Institute established by GbaramatuVoice organisation. The revered Monarch who is the 1st Vice Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Council said it is when the people of the Niger Delta embrace sustained peace that the necessary good things of life can be attracted from government and the multinational agencies.
The traditional ruler who was visibly happy at the event paid glowing tributes to the founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo “for opening up the Niger Delta region for greater developments to come. He also thanked all those who have the interest of Niger Delta at heart especially the National Co-ordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade Sheriff Mulade, and all others, for their sustained advocacy for peace as panacea for sustainable growth in the Niger Delta, over the years.
While praying for good health and long life for Tompolo and all people of goodwill in the Niger Delta for their dream of liberating the region to be achieved, the Monarch said there is no development in an environment riddled with crisis. According to him, It is only peace that can guarantee development and safety and therefore behoves on Niger Deltans to live in peace and harmony with one another to attract the good things to the region.
His words :”In a situation where we keep vandalizing government assets such as oil pipelines and other public properties within our areas, that is a sign of asking them to go away. We must continue to do good things that will attract multinationals to 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“.
According to him: “My prayers have been with GbaramatuVoice. I am trusting God that with the dedication and unwavering desire to take this to the next level is very paramount as the media space is what we actually need to propagate our desires, our feelings and aspirations of the Niger Deltans.
“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 actually opened up Niger Delta region for greater things to come and for all that 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 can be achieved.
“We must tell our story and we can only tell our story when we have our own brand. We that 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, 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 lone. Others have joined him. So, the voice that was once lone, for instance, now has multiple voices and it is echoing, resonating with the Nigerian State. And of course, with the global world”.
On his part, the Chairman of 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. In the same vein, a prominent Ijaw Chieftain , High Chief Wellington Okrika, the pioneer Chairman of Delta State Oil Producing and Development Commission (DESOPADEC) rallied support for the newly-commissioned Niger Delta Media Centre and its management to enable the organization to achieve its objectives.
Earlier in his address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of GbaramatuVoice, Mr. Jacob Abai,shed light on the vision of the organization which he said, is to reshape the media landscape of the Niger Delta, empower its people, and provide opportunities that drive progress and celebrate its rich cultural heritage.According to him ,the Centre is not just infrastructure but a symbol of hope, growth, and endless possibilities designed to inspire creativity, innovation, and opportunity.