By Francis Sadhere, Warri
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has called for urgent and collective action to safeguard the Niger Delta’s natural resources for the benefit of future generations, warning that environmental degradation and oil theft continue to threaten the survival and prosperity of the region.
The call was made by the National President of IPF, Comrade Ozobo Austin, in his welcome address at the 2nd Annual Ijaw Media Conference 2025, held on Wednesday at the KFT Event Center, Warri, Delta State.
Welcoming distinguished guests, traditional rulers, chiefs, stakeholders, donors and sponsors to the conference, Comrade Ozobo expressed gratitude for their support and described their presence as a major encouragement to the forum.
He also appreciated donors and sponsors for their contributions, praying for divine replenishment in their endeavours.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Safeguarding the Niger Delta Natural Resources for the Future Generations,” Ozobo emphasized the need to protect the region’s environment from oil theft, pollution, deforestation and the waste of forest resources, which he said had destroyed fishing and farming livelihoods in the Niger Delta.
“Our resources are our future and our environment is our wealth. Pollution does not only destroy our environment, it also shortens our life span,” he said, adding that crude oil theft and pipeline sabotage amounted to stealing the common wealth of the people and had contributed to poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities in the region.
He urged international and indigenous oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to stop practices that lead to environmental pollution and exploitation, stressing that the wellbeing of host communities must be prioritized.
Comrade Ozobo also used the occasion to highlight the history and objectives of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum, describing it as the apex body of Ijaw media practitioners and publishers across Ijaw-speaking states in Nigeria.
According to him, the forum was formed in October 2023 by a group of Ijaw media CEOs determined to tell the Ijaw story accurately and counter distorted narratives often portrayed by external media.
He said the IPF was inaugurated in Warri on February 29, 2024, and successfully hosted its maiden Ijaw Media Conference on December 11, 2024, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Bayelsa State, with the theme “Advancing the Quest for Economic and Political Justice.”
Reflecting on the forum’s impact, Ozobo noted that IPF had significantly strengthened Ijaw presence in the media industry and helped correct negative narratives about the Ijaw nation, adding that the rate at which external media misrepresented Ijaw identity had reduced considerably.
He stressed the importance of encouraging and supporting Ijaw-owned media organisations, noting that other ethnic groups had long established strong media platforms to project their interests and identity.
However, he identified inadequate funding as a major challenge confronting IPF, particularly in acquiring modern equipment and skilled human resources. He assured that with adequate support, the forum could become a major source of employment for Ijaw youths in the media industry.
Addressing concerns about membership, the IPF President assured that the forum would, in due course, open its doors to admit more credible media organisations.
He concluded by thanking participants for attending what he described as a historic and landmark event, wishing them a safe return to their destinations.
The conference attracted media executives, traditional rulers, stakeholders and development partners from across the Niger Delta region.
