The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has been inaugurated in Warri, Delta State to disseminate correct information about the Ijaw nation and to create more awareness about the Ijaws of the Niger Delta.
To actualized the Ijaw agenda of dissemination of positive information and preservation of Ijaw cultural heritage, the following persons were inaugurated as executive of Ijaw Publishers Forum among them are Comrade Austin Ozobo, National President, Comrade Onduku vice president, Comrade Magbei Tare, Secretary, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala PRO, Comrade Friday Mingo, Treasurer, Comrade Mike Ugedi, Financial Secretary, Mr. Francis Abai Senior Policy Adviser/Chief Research Officer and Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Bibaikefie, Assistant PRO.
In his inaugural speech after the formal inauguration of the versatile Ijaw publishers and reputable newsmen of Ijaw extraction, the National president of Ijaw Publishers Forum, Comrade Austin Ozobo said that IPF has been given the mandate to report positively about Ijaw nation and also to correct and counter wrong information about Ijaw people worldwide.
Comrade Ozobo further said that the need to have a common front has led to the formation of IPF and the Ijaws through the IPF have resolved to speak with one voice, adding that IPF was established with the objectives of promoting ethical standards and professionalism as well sharing, advocating for press freedom, transparency and accountability, providing a platform for intellectual discourse, research and development and encourage literacy and preservation of Ijaw cultural heritage.
According to him, “The IPF is set to promote transparency and accountability, research, development, preservation of Ijaw cultural heritage through publications and organizing seminars, workshops, conferences and other activities to enhance members’ skills and knowledge”.
He expressed the belief that the story of Ijaw will be better narrated by Ijaw’s sons and daughters to stop their common enemies from manipulating foreign media against the Ijaw people which lead to several bombardments of Ijaw communities and killing of innocent people during the Ijaw struggle against marginalization and oppression of the Ijaws.
“You will agree with me that the struggle is better driven and well-coordinated with the coming of Ijaw writers and media presence in recent times. There are already checks and balances for the foreign media. This has raised the bars of the intellectual struggle of the Ijaw people in recent times. The Ijaw Nation should invest in the media, especially in this digital world in the 21st century, this has also educated and created job opportunities for the youths.
He commended Pa Chief Dr. E.K Clark for standing out at all times for the defence of the Niger Delta people as well as the living legend, High Chief (Dr) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo for his resilient and self-sacrifice alongside other comrades who lost their lives for the total emancipation of the Niger Delta.
